NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2023 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year has begun, which means free-agent signings can be made official. The first round of the 2023 NFL draft begins April 27 on ESPN.

The Cleveland Browns on Monday restructured the record-setting contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, clearing $36 million in cap space ahead of free agency, a source told ESPN.

The Browns signed Watson last offseason to a five-year contract worth an NFL-record $230 million, fully guaranteed.
Before restructuring Watson’s deal, the Browns were about $14 million over the salary cap.
Now, Cleveland has cap space to use during the free agency trading window.
Here’s a breakdown of each 2023 NFL free agent signing and how each will impact the upcoming season: The Browns and former Vikings defensive tackle have agreed to a four-year contract worth $57 million, with $27.
5 million guaranteed.

What’s at stake: At 29, Tomlinson is a year older than Cleveland’s starting lineup. Tomlinson did miss four games last season, but he also started all 64 games for the New York Giants from 2017 to 20 and his first 23 games with the Vikings through the middle of last season. Cleveland needed an anchor for the interior of their defensive line. Even if it cost the Browns money, the move should improve their defense in 2023.

What it means: After releasing John Johnson III, the Browns needed a veteran starting safety, and they got just that. Thornhill will replace safety Grant Delpit in the starting lineup, thus filling the single opening in a secondary that, despite the coverage, is lacking.

What’s the risk: At 29, Tomlinson is a year older than Cleveland’s starting lineup. Tomlinson did miss four games last season, but he also started all 64 games for the New York Giants from 2017 to 20 and his first 23 games for the Vikings through the middle of last season. Cleveland needed an anchor for its defensive line’s interior. And, despite the cost, the Browns should be better defensively in 2023 as a result of the deal.

What it means: After releasing John Johnson III, the Browns needed a veteran starting safety, and they got one. Thornhill will replace safety Grant Delpit in the starting lineup, thereby filling the single opening in a secondary that, despite the coverage, is lacking.

Despite his mistakes last season, he still has the talent to be an exceptional player. Thornhill started 52 games for Kansas City and will provide valuable experience to the Cleveland defense.

What is the danger: Prior to acquiring Johnson, Cleveland attempted to fill this place with a free agent. The Browns desperately need this free agent.

The agent signing will take place. Aside from D’Anthony Bell, the Browns lack a young, up-and-coming safety option.

The Browns have agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the former Texan.

What it means: The Browns were looking for a replacement for departed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who had a dismal season in 2022 with only two sacks. Okoronkwo could be an upgrade after ranking 13th in the league in pass rush victory rate (19.0%) last season. To partner with Myles Garrett, the Browns needed to sign a starting-caliber end. Okoronkwo provided them with exactly that.

What’s at stake: Okoronkwo has only 9.5 career sacks in four seasons, while Clowney had nine sacks in his debut season with Cleveland in 2021. Okoronkwo may have had his greatest season (five sacks), but the Browns require immediate output from the position as they wait for last year’s third-round choice, Alex Wright, to develop as a pass-rusher (Wright had no sacks last year). Okoronkwo will have to demonstrate that last season was not an exception for him.

A source told ESPN that the Browns had agreed to re-sign Pocic to a three-year contract.

What it means: Pocic was one of the top centers in the NFL last season, and now he’ll be back to anchor the interior of a Cleveland

Along with Pro Bowl guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller, the offensive line could be the finest in the league. Last season, Pocic was seventh in the league among centers in pass block win rate (96.2%) and fourth in run block win rate (74.6%).

What’s at stake: Pocic wasn’t meant to play last season. Pocic shone after projected starter Nick Harris suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason opener. The Browns now have two centers who they believe are capable of starting. Pocic’s return might stymie Harris’ growth as a fifth-round pick in 2020. However, Cleveland is now attempting to win. Pocic provides the Browns with the best opportunity to accomplish so.