One of the goals that the Cleveland Browns had this offseason was to revamp the wide receiver group around quarterback Deshaun Watson. A lot went into his struggles in 2022, and part of that was the lack of talent around him. It was a goal that the team accomplished
In free agency, the Browns signed speedster Marquise Goodwin, who will bring a big play element to the offense. 2021 second-round pick Elijah Moore was acquired from the New York Jets in a trade and should immediately be a regular contributor. In the 2023 NFL Draft, Cleveland selected Cedric Tillman out of Tennessee.
Adding that trio to Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones will give the Browns a much more dangerous and dynamic passing game. The team also has 2022 third-round pick David Bell in the mix.
Given how much depth is now present, the wide receiver position seems set for the time being. However, working out an extension with Peoples-Jones is something that Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested the team still try and do.
Peoples-Jones is heading into the final year of his rookie contract and has become an integral part of the Browns’ offense. He is the longest-tenured wide receiver on the team and that kind of continuity is something that the franchise should be looking to keep.
Spending his entire career to this point under head coach Kevin Stefanski, Peoples-Jones has a wealth of information to share with newcomers and youngsters to make their transition easier. He is a prime example of how good things can be when you have a chance to develop and learn a role.
As a rookie, he was used sparingly on offense but gradually saw his role grow. In Year 2, he became a regular part of the offense and his production saw an uptick. In Year 3, he truly began breaking out as a regular starter, playing 90 percent of the snaps.
With Watson able to have a regular offseason and work with his receivers, Peoples-Jones could take another leap in Year 4. Should that occur, his price tag would also increase exponentially with the wide receiver market booming in recent years.
At the very least, Peoples-Jones is a high-upside No. 2 option. He is someone that the Browns should want to keep and build around. With $17.2 million in cap space available this year, Cleveland would be smart to work out a long-term deal with Peoples-Jones now, especially with Cooper a potential cut candidate following the 2023 season.
