Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are interested in free-agent quarterback Jameis Winston as a backup to starter Deshaun Watson. Although it's unlikely, the Browns could also run it back with Joe Flacco, the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year, after he stepped in for an injured Watson last season to unexpectedly lead the Browns into the postseason. The 30-year-old Winston was his usual up-and-down self while filling in for an injured Derek Carr in seven games for the New Orleans Saints in 2023, going 25-for-47 for 264 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. While Winston has plenty of starting experience (80 career starts in nine NFL seasons), he's proven to be a turnover-prone and inconsistent passer when thrust into action. But given Watson's track record for injuries, the Browns are clearly intent on backing him up with an experienced, veteran signal-caller like Winston or Flacco.

The Cleveland Browns are sending a 2024 fifth-pick and 2024 sixth-round pick in exchange for Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Cleveland reportedly tried to trade for the former first-rounder at the trade deadline during the 2023 campaign, so they now get their target. After posting 972 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2022, Jeudy regressed to 758 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 2023. He now gets a change of scenery and a chance to turn his career around. Given the struggles of quarterback Deshaun Watson, it's tough to get too excited about Jeudy's fantasy prospects, especially while sharing a field with Amari Cooper. David Njoku and Elijah Moore round out the crowded pass-catcher group. This move could mean a small boost for Watson's fantasy outlook, but it's tough to see a path toward top-24 upside for Jeudy.

The Buffalo Bills plan to release running back Nyheim Hines (knee) this week, according to a source. Hines most likely will be back for training camp this summer after injuring his ACL last summer, but he'll be doing it with a different team. Hines injured his ACL during a jet-ski accident last July and was forced to miss all of the 2023 season as a result. The 27-year-old former fourth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 out of North Carolina State spent the 2022 season with the Bills and Colts, carrying the ball just 24 times for 33 yards and a touchdown while adding 30 receptions for 241 yards and another score through the air in 16 games (five starts). At this stage of his career, Hines will most likely be competing for a complementary pass-catching role with whichever team he lands with next.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) is set to begin throwing again in March, according to general manager Andrew Berry. The 28-year-old was placed on season-ending injured reserve following the Week 10 game against the Baltimore Ravens and underwent surgery on his throwing shoulder. Despite Watson's struggles in 12 games over two years with the franchise (14 touchdowns and nine interceptions), it seems the Browns are committed to rolling into the 2024 campaign with him under center. "He's worked his tail off in terms of his rehab and recovery," Berry said. "He's in a really good place. We're excited for when the spring hits and we can get him back on the field. He's making really good progress and we're really excited to see that continue." Watson has limited fantasy upside based on what we've seen over the last few seasons, but his QB22 price tag in early FFPC best ball drafts makes him an intriguing dice roll.

The Cleveland Browns' vertical passing game didn't really take off until quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) was already out for the year with a shoulder injury in November of last year. Cleveland feels good having receiver Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku leading their pass-catching group, but the rest of the bunch has plenty of question marks. The Athletic's Zac Jackson suggests that the Browns need more speed, and probably more size and consistency, at the position. They will almost certainly add to their receiver room in both March (in free agency) and in April (in the draft). Veteran slot man Elijah Moore certainly didn't make as much of an impact as the front office expected him to when they acquired him from the New York Jets.