CLEVELAND — The NFL's legal tampering period is set to start at 12 p.m. ET on Monday, March 14, marking the league's unofficial start of free agency.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the Cleveland Browns' five biggest needs entering 2022 NFL free agency.
Wide receiver
Exiting the 2021 season, wide receiver stood out as a clear position of need for the Browns. And Cleveland's need to upgrade its receiving corps has only been amplified by Jarvis Landry's status as a likely cap casualty.
At this point, it seems likely that the Browns will use their first-round pick (No. 13 overall) on a wide receiver. But Cleveland's void at the position is so obvious that it would hardly be a surprise to see general manager Andrew Berry also use free agency and/or a trade to address the need.
Defensive end
Jadeveon Clowney is heading to free agency, as is Takkarist McKinley, who is also recovering from a torn Achilles. At this point in the offseason, either
Ifeadi Odenigbo or Porter Gustin project to start opposite Myles Garrett on the Browns' defensive line.
That almost certainly won't be the case by the end of the offseason, as Berry's front office places a premium on pass rushers. While Cleveland may not sign one of the top defensive ends on the market, the Browns will likely take multiple swings at finding Garrett's next pass-rushing partner in free agency and the draft.
Defensive tackle
The Browns filled their void at defensive tackle last offseason with Malik Jackson and Malik McDowell -- neither of whom may return to Cleveland in 2022; Jackson is set to be a free agent, while McDowell is facing legal issues that could leave his NFL future in doubt.
In Jordan Elliott and Tommy Togiai, Cleveland has a pair of promising young players at the position, although neither possesses significant NFL experience. Just as they did last offseason, look for the Browns to address their need via multiple acquisitions.
Quarterback
Publicly, the Browns have remained committed to Baker Mayfield as their starting quarterback, but that shouldn't stop them from also considering their options. At a minimum, Berry also wouldn't rule out adding competition to Cleveland's quarterback room in the offseason ahead.
While a potential replacement for Mayfield is more likely to come via trade, the Browns could certainly use free agency to add a more viable backup than Case Keenum, who is likely to be a cap casualty. In that regard, Mitchell Trubisky and Marcus Mariota stand out as free agent options who also possess starting experience.
Offensive tackle
The Browns restructured Jack Conklin's contract, but the nature of the 2020 All-Pro's injury -- a ruptured patella tendon -- leaves his status for next season in doubt. And while Cleveland has publicly committed to keeping Jedrick Wills Jr. at left tackle, moving him to right tackle -- where he played during his college career at Alabama -- remains a viable option.
Regardless of how the Browns handle their starting tackles situation, they also need depth. With Chris Hubbard set to hit free agency, Cleveland could use a swing tackle capable of playing on either side of the line.