Browns roster: 5 players that could be in for performance regression in 2024

Players rarely stay the same so a look at a few on the Browns roster that could have worse performances in 2024

The reality of the NFL is that players tend to either get better or worse every year. There are few times when players perform the same year after year. Whether it is age, usage, injury or scheme changes, progression and regression are the most likely outcomes.

For the Cleveland Browns, making the playoffs in 2023 was an impressive feat given all of the injuries and poor performance by the quarterbacks. While we look at options to fill the Browns 90-man roster, we also want to look at players whose performances are likely to go up or down.

While normally an optimistic site, we will start with players who are likely to have worse performances during the 2024 NFL season than they did in 2023:

• DE Za’Darius Smith – In a contract year, Zmith had 5.5 sacks and 20 QB hits in 2023. Both were good for second-best for Cleveland behind Myles Garrett. Now signed to a new deal, the soon-to-be 32-year-old is fighting age and less financial motivation to perform as well as he did last year.
• TE David Njoku – The Browns star tight end had a career year in 2023 but he also had 43 more targets than he did in 2022. While it is possible that his growth will continue, Cleveland added Jerry Jeudy, will likely use Jerome Ford and Nyheim Hines in the pass game more and Nick Chubb’s return from injury could all mean less targets for Njoku.
• DT Shelby Harris – A late offseason find for the Browns, Harris might step in as a starter in 2024 but Siaki Ika and Michael Hall Jr. being added in the last two drafts could reduce his snap count and opportunities. Turning 33 before the season starts, Harris will also have to fight off age decline alongside Smith.
• WR Amari Cooper – Cooper is currently unhappy with his contract status but is still a top-flight receiver. The addition of Jeudy and the, hopeful, development of Cedric Tillman in his second season could lessen Cooper’s target share much like Njoku. A 1,000-yard season is still likely but 1,250 might be tough to match.
• K Dustin Hopkins – Kickers are a strange breed much like middle relievers in baseball. Despite missing multiple games, Hopkins had the second-most field goal attempts of his career, behind his 2016 season, and had his highest percentage of makes (92%). A dip back into the 80% range seems more likely than taking another step forward at age 33 (on October 1st).

None of the above players are certain for regression. Regression also doesn’t mean a player will be bad in 2024, just not as productive as they were in 2023.

Which of the above 5 do you think will regress? Is there someone not on the list that you think belongs?