The dominoes continue to fall in NFL free agency, and the Cleveland Browns have their first departure on the offensive side of the ball. So far, just two defenders had departed the Browns 2025 roster:
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LB Devin Bush to the Chicago Bears
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DE Cameron Thomas to the Atlanta Falcons
Cleveland had spent most of free agency improving the offensive side of the ball, particularly the offensive line. The Browns offense still needs some work, but the new linemen are up for the challenge. Late Friday night, news came that Cleveland GM Andrew Berry had added DT Kalia Davis as well.
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Saturday morning, news came that the first offensive free agent had departed the Browns, RB Jerome Ford:
A fifth-round pick of Cleveland’s in the 2022 NFL draft, the former Alabama and Cincinnati back had his best season in 2023 when he rushed for 813 yards and four touchdowns. A solid pass catcher and blocker in pass protection, Ford was targeted 30 or more times the last three seasons, including 63 targets, 44 receptions, and five receiving touchdowns in 2023.
Last season, the Browns drafted Quinshon Judkins to take over as the team’s lead back from Nick Chubb, while also drafting Dylan Sampson as a pass-catching weapon. Neither rookie was trusted regularly in pass protection, leading to Ford still earning almost 300 snaps last season despite just 24 carries.
