NFL free agency is almost set to begin, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, and free agent signings can then become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Cleveland Browns and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, OLB
Tryon-Shoyinka comes over on a one-year deal after spending the first four years of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What it means: The Browns lost much of their coveted depth at edge defender last season when Za'Darius Smith was traded to the Detroit Lions and Alex Wright suffered a season-ending triceps injury. Cleveland gets some of it back in Tryon-Shoyinka, who should slot alongside Wright, Isaiah McGuire and Ogbo Okoronkwo as running mates to star pass rusher Myles Garrett.
What's the risk: With all the attention that Garrett draws, the Browns need a bona fide pass rusher on the other end to take advantage of one-on-one opportunities. And Tryon-Shoyinka has never registered more than five sacks in a season. His 6.0% pressure rate last season tied for 106th out of 190 qualifying pass rushers.
Cornelius Lucas, OT
The former Commander is joining the Browns on a two-year deal.
What it means: Three of the four players to start at left tackle for the Browns in 2024 are free agents, and the fourth -- Dawand Jones -- is rehabbing. So, Cleveland needed to restock the position. Lucas, 33, has started 54 games in his career, including seven at both tackle spots last season. He can back up Jones or right tackle Jack Conklin in 2025.
What's the risk: Jones is expected to be ready for training camp. But Jones' injury history -- his first two NFL seasons have ended because of lower-leg injuries -- suggests Lucas may have to play significant snaps at some point. Cleveland got average-to-below-average production from a premium position that requires quality play to keep an offense functional. Can Lucas provide that if called upon?
Devin Bush, LB
The linebacker re-signs with Cleveland on a one-year deal.
What it means: With the Browns still not committing to Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who suffered a season-ending neck injury, playing in 2025, Cleveland brings back Bush, who started 10 games and played well. The team also gets back a key special teams contributor. Bush played 36% of the special teams snaps in 2024, seventh most on the team.
What's the risk: Bush's career ascent was stunted by a 2020 ACL tear and his performance last year was his most productive in years. It's a small deal for a rotational linebacker but Bush will have to keep showing that he can stay healthy in a bigger defensive role.