Fantasy Stock Up, Stock Down: Cleveland Browns

Welcome back to the “Fantasy Stock Up, Stock Down” series (offseason edition). We still have the Super Bowl to look forward to this Sunday and if you’re into sports betting, odds for the Super Bowl have been updated here to reflect the most current numbers, but as a Dynasty manager, you should be thinking about the next fantasy season right now. These are some of the questions we need to be thinking about. Who should we look to be trading for? Who should we be willing to give up? How can I improve my team before September? As always, I want to reiterate that we will break down each NFL team throughout this series. We have broken down a few teams now at this point. Click on their links at the bottom of the page if you missed them. Today is all about the Cleveland Browns.

STOCK UP – DONOVAN PEOPLES-JONES

The former sixth-round pick from the 2020 NFL draft showed, at times, that he could be a WR2 option when healthy this past season. Going into 2021, he was behind both Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. on the Browns’ depth chart. Keep in mind, Rashard Higgins was coming off an impressive 2020 campaign (37 catches for 599 yards and four touchdowns) as well. Cleveland also used a third-round pick on speedy receiver Anthony Schwartz. To make matters worse for DPJ coming into this past season, the Browns held one of the deepest tight end groups in the league, as David Njoku, Austin Hooper, and Harrison Bryant all had the ability to become high-target options on any given week. So how exactly is Peoples-Jones’ stock rising going into the 2022 season? 

First of all, Beckham Jr. was released mid-season. During the first eight weeks of the season, when OBJ was still on the team, Peoples-Jones hauled in a combined 13 receptions for 228 yards and two touchdowns in six games. Once he left town, Peoples-Jones became a bit more of a threat, hauling in 21 receptions for 369 yards and one touchdown in eight games. Surely, these numbers are still not impressive enough from a player you would expect to become a surefire WR2 for your team. Here’s the kicker: both David Njoku and Rashard Higgins are free agents this offseason, and Landry is going into his final season under contract. 

Think about it. Without Njoku, Higgins, and Beckham Jr. next season, Peoples-Jones will be relied on to step up to the plate. Sure, the Browns rely heavily on their rushing attack, but Peoples-Jones serves as the team’s top deep threat option. In 26 career games, he owns an impressive 18.8 yards per receptions average. On top of that, Mayfield will be going into a very pivotal season of his own. The former first overall pick enters his final season under his rookie contract. Look for him to target DPJ heavily, as he looks for a hefty extension next offseason. With a plethora of weapons likely leaving town, Landry’s play digressing each and every season, and Mayfield going into the most important season in his career, Peoples-Jones should be set for a big 2022 campaign. His dynasty stock value is as high as ever now, and being under contract until 2024 adds additional security to his value. 

Other Notables: Austin Hooper, Anthony Schwartz

STOCK DOWN – KAREEM HUNT

After a relatively healthy first four seasons in the league, Hunt faces the same issues most running backs do when they play a few seasons in the NFL. INJURIES. The fifth-year pro was limited to eight games played during the 2021 season, as he dealt with nagging ankle and calf injuries for most of the second half of the season. He was very impressive when on the field though, as he totaled 560 scrimmage yards on 100 touches and five touchdowns. He also finished tied for a career-high in yards per carry with 4.9 (the most since his rookie season). During his time off the field, D’Ernest Johnson stepped up and ran the ball impressively. But he’s set to be a free agent, and he’ll likely earn a decent contract to serve as a team’s back-up somewhere else. Nonetheless, Hunt’s dynasty value is slipping going into this offseason. 

Aside from his latest injury-riddled 2021 season, Hunt is going into a contract year. It would be hard to imagine he’ll earn a role as good as the one he currently holds in Cleveland. He is in fact a back-up to Nick Chubb, but the Browns hold one of the best offensive lines in football. If Hunt were to serve as an understudy on any other team in the league, he would likely see digression in production. As long as Chubb’s on the team (contracted until 2025), Cleveland will likely shy away from re-signing Hunt, who will be 27 years old next offseason. Don’t be surprised if they use a draft pick on a younger back, who can fill in for much cheaper. 

Speaking of younger and cheaper, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Demetric Felton with a larger role in 2022. As mentioned above, Johnson is likely heading to a new city with a new contract, and the Browns need someone to fill his spot. With injuries getting the best of Hunt and Chubb this past season, maybe Felton cuts into their touches in 2022. If the Browns want to keep Hunt healthy for the entire 2022 season, it would make a ton of sense to have Felton on the field more in passing situations. As for Hunt, this may be the final productive season of his impressive career. If you can, try and add value this offseason in exchange for Hunt. And for those of you going all in this season, you may be able to get Hunt for cheap on a one-year rental. 

Other Notables: Baker Mayfield, Jarvis Landry

Teams Broken Down Already: Bears, Bengals, Bills, Broncos

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