Browns Cautioned About Contract Discussions Surrounding Key Starter

Cleveland Browns at Crossroads with Safety Ronnie Hickman Amid Draft Speculation

The Cleveland Browns face an intriguing personnel decision at safety, with starter Ronnie Hickman’s future hanging in the balance as the NFL Draft approaches. Initially reported to be receiving a second-round tender as a restricted free agent, Hickman was instead given only a right of first refusal tender, potentially exposing the team to losing the promising defender.

Hickman, 24, emerged as a key component of Cleveland’s defensive success in 2025. Starting all 17 games opposite Grant Delpit, he recorded 103 tackles and three interceptions while allowing a quarterback rating of just 78.7 when targeted. Pro Football Focus ranked him 22nd among 91 NFL safeties, making him a valuable asset in what was statistically one of the league’s top three defensive units.

The Browns’ decision to offer only a standard tender rather than the more secure second-round tender has raised eyebrows among team observers. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler initially reported the team planned to give Hickman the second-round designation, which would have guaranteed him a $5.8 million contract and required any team signing him away to surrender a second-round draft pick to Cleveland.

Instead, as Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot later clarified, Hickman received only the right of first refusal tender. This means another team could potentially sign him to an offer sheet that Cleveland would have to match or lose him without draft compensation.

“I’m surprised more Browns fans aren’t talking about the team’s potential Texas-sized hole at free safety,” noted Matt Wilson of SB Nation’s Browns site. “Ronnie Hickman is as good as gone if another team offers him even an average-size 2-year deal.”

This situation takes on added significance when considering Cleveland’s draft position. The Browns hold the sixth overall pick, and Ohio State safety Caleb Downs is widely considered one of the best overall talents in this year’s class. While the Browns spent most of the free agency period addressing their depleted offensive line – logical after fielding one of the league’s worst offenses paired with an elite defense – the uncertain status of Hickman could influence their draft strategy.

The timing is particularly noteworthy. By using the less restrictive tender on Hickman, the Browns maintain flexibility heading into the draft. If they select Downs with their first-round pick, moving on from Hickman becomes more feasible. Conversely, if no team has presented Hickman with an offer sheet by draft day, Cleveland might feel more comfortable targeting another position of need.

This delicate situation exemplifies the strategic chess match NFL front offices play during the offseason. The Browns must balance immediate roster needs against long-term planning while navigating the financial constraints of the salary cap. Their approach with Hickman suggests they’re keeping multiple options open as they prepare for what could be a pivotal draft selection.

The first wave of free agency has passed without Hickman receiving an external offer, potentially indicating limited market interest or teams waiting until after the draft to make moves at the safety position. Whatever decision the Browns ultimately make – whether matching an offer for Hickman, drafting his potential replacement, or both – will significantly impact the future of a defense that carried the team throughout the 2025 season.

As Cleveland continues its offseason roster construction, the safety position has unexpectedly become one of the most fascinating storylines to watch in the coming weeks.