Retention is a difficult thing to manage in the NFL. Each and every offseason comes with an inevitable amount of roster turnover. That’s the cross that Browns general managermust bear in the months ahead, as he embarks on a fifth offseason of roster construction, looking to make a playoff contender even better.

With 24 free agents to be, one of Berry’s first orders of business will be determining who from that list should be brought back for another run. It’s nearly impossible to re-sign everyone in the NFL’s salary cap era. Here are the top five Browns free agents Berry should prioritize retaining.

With Takitaki and Anthony Walker Jr.both set to hit the open market, the Browns could be in for a makeover to their linebacker room if neither are re-signed. Takitaki was an anchor in the middle of the defense and he’s proven that he can handle a starting role in this defense, holding down the fort for Walker Jr. late in the season when he was out due to injury.

The 2019 third-round pick registered 45 tackles in 2023, with three tackles for loss and even snared his second career interception. Extension talks for fellow linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are on the horizon as well, so Takitaki represents an affordable option to retain before that bill for JOK comes due. Plus, Takitaki is plenty familiar with the system and culture.