BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns suffered more losses than gains in free agency, so the draft will be more important than ever to them this year.
Another regime, the fourth in five years, is molding the team so that is not surprising.
Center Alex Mack (Falcons), right tackle Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs), free safety Tashaun Gipson (Jaguars), wide receiver Travis Benjamin (Chargers) and linebacker Craig Robertson (Saints) all scattered in free agency like students gaining their freedom when the bell rings to end the school year. All told that group started 69 games last season.
The Browns also cut 34-year-old Karlos Dansby and 30-year-old strong safety Donte Whitner since the start of free agency. The pair started a combined 30 games last season. Dansby signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 29. Whitner, cut April 2, is unsigned.
By comparison, the Browns’ additions in the new league year have been scant, but the one that could turn into a coup was the decision to sign quarterback Robert Griffin III.
RG3, the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, was inactive, though healthy, in all 16 games for the Washington Redskins last season. The Redskins cut him on March 7. The Browns signed him 17 days later.
The two-year deal is costing the Browns $15 million, but only $6.75 million is guaranteed.
The Browns went into the offseason with quarterback as their No. 1 priority. Griffin was 5-15 in 20 starts after his rookie season, so it will be more of a shock if the Browns do not take a quarterback with the second pick than it would be if they do take one even after signing RG3.
Griffin will compete with Josh McCown, Connor Shaw and Austin Davis. McCown could be the next veteran cut loose if the Browns take a quarterback in the draft.
The Browns also signed linebacker Demario Davis from the New York Jets, offensive lineman Alvin Bailey from the Seattle Seahawks, safety Rahim Moore from the Houston Texans and linebacker Justin Tuggle, also from the Texans.
Moore will compete for a starting job with both starting safeties from last season no longer with the team. Bailey will have a chance to compete for a job at right tackle and Davis will be in the running for a starting job at inside linebacker with Dansby and Robertson playing elsewhere.
The Browns have 10 draft picks. They still do not know whether wide receiver Josh Gordon will be reinstated, so that makes wide receiver a priority in the draft. They are not likely to use the second pick on a wide receiver, but could take one at 32.
Defensive coordinator Ray Horton is looking for a pass rusher to pair with Paul Kruger and the Browns could also be in the market for a cornerback; Joe Haden had ankle surgery last month, Tramon Williams is 33 years old and Justin Gilbert has been a major disappointment the last two years.
Mack’s departure could force the Browns to draft a center. They took Cameron Erving in the first round last year as insurance in case Mack did opt out of the contract he signed in 2014, but Erving got pushed around at guard and showed no reason he can be counted on to start at center this season.
Schwartz’ departure also leaves another hole on the line. Bailey and Austin Pasztor could compete for a job, but the Browns might feel more comfortable finding their tackle in the draft.