The Cleveland Browns had one of the most surprising seasons in the NFL in 2020 and will look to build off of that in 2021. The Browns were playing great football all season long before losing by five points in the AFC Divisional Round to the Kansas City Chiefs.

They are officially fully confident in Baker Mayfield to be their franchise quarterback, as they should be, and they need to focus on building around him in hopes of ending their championship drought. The Browns have built a very good coaching staff that seems to pry the best out of their players, which is exciting to any free agent looking for a new team.

Cleveland seemed to play a bit nervous on Sunday against the reigning champions and will now have to watch the rest of the playoffs at home, but their season should not by any means be considered a disappointment. The Browns surprised a lot of people this year and it seems to only be the beginning.

If the Browns can make some tweaks to their roster, they could be right back in the playoffs next season.

Here are four changes the Cleveland Browns could make that could put them back in the playoffs in 2021.

Number One: Acquire Receiving Back

The Cleveland Browns proved in the playoffs that they need to acquire a running back who can catch consistently. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt struggled to catch easy passes from Baker Mayfield that certainly would have put them in good shape to drive down the field and win the game.

They need to prioritize snagging a running back they can bring into the game on receiving downs or for screen plays, and there are a handful of talented guys on the free agent market the Browns could sign for cheap. One of the best receiving backs on the market is James White from the New England Patriots.

White, 29, played the receiving back role for the New England Patriots this past season and has his entire career for the most part. White had more receptions (49) than rush attempts (35) and was a very reliable backfield option for Cam Newton. The Browns could use a player to play a similar role to this and they could snag White himself this offseason if they wanted.

Number Two: Trade Odell Beckham Jr.

Ever since the Browns traded for Odell Beckham Jr., he has been nothing but a disappointment. Beckham, 28, was a three time Pro Bowler with the New York Giants, but has failed to regain that same form the past two seasons.

Don’t get it twisted, Beckham certainly has the potential to greatly benefit the Cleveland offense, but they quite simply don’t have time to wait and they have played well without him. If the Browns start shopping Beckham and potentially find someone to take on the final $42 million of his contract, it would help them long-term.

While Beckham does bring some swag and juice to the Browns, there is certainly no need to over pay him. There are plenty of great wide receivers on the free agent market the team could go with instead of Beckham and the Browns may be able to acquire some important draft capital by dealing the former first round pick.

Number Three: Sign Big Time Linebacker

Ever since Joe Schobert left to join the Jacksonville Jaguars, there has been a massive hole in the Browns’ defense. The Browns could solve a lot of their defensive struggles by signing a big time linebacker or two in the free agency period this offseason.

The Browns have some solid pieces in their linebacker unit including Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki, but they need a big name player to come in and change the unit for the better. Some guys like Avery Williamson, Neville Hewitt, and Josh Bynes are on the market and could be brought in to help the Browns’ unit.

If the Browns can land a big time linebacker, they could completely change the landscape of their defense. The linebacker position is the most important position on the defense and the Browns need to make it their top priority this offseason.

Number Four: Sign Big Time Wide Receiver

While the Browns need to get rid of Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason, they also need to sign a big name wide receiver who can be more productive. The Browns will have a variety of options to choose from this offseason in what is going to be a loaded free agent receiving class.

The Browns have a bunch of speedy wide receivers who are not scared to fly down the field and make some highlight reel catches, but they need a big name guy who can leap and make some contact receptions. One of the top guys on their radar should be former Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson.

Robinson, a 6-foot-3 Penn State Alum, had a big year with Mitchell Trubisky paving the way at the quarterback position for the Bears. Robinson hauled in 102 receptions, 1,250 receiving yards, a 12.3 yards per reception average, and six receiving touchdowns. If the Browns could land a talented wide receiver like Robinson, the sky is truly the limit for this Browns team.