Browns Weigh Tenders for Exclusive Rights Free Agents

At least four players are expected to receive offers to stay with the team

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:03pm

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The Cleveland Browns have seven exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs) to make decisions on ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency period. ERFAs are players with less than three accrued seasons in the league, and the Browns can retain them by offering a one-year, minimum salary tender. While the team will likely tender most of their ERFAs, there are at least four players they are expected to prioritize keeping on the roster.

Why it matters

Retaining ERFAs on team-friendly deals is an important way for the Browns to keep young, promising players in the fold. These minimum salary contracts are non-guaranteed, giving the team flexibility, while also providing stability for the players as they look to earn larger contracts in the future.

The details

The Browns' seven ERFAs are: WR Malachi Corley, WR Jamari Thrash, TE Brenden Bates, LB Winston Reid, CB Anthony Kendall, K Andre Szmyt, and LS Rex Sunahara. The team is expected to tender offers to Szmyt, Sunahara, Corley, and Reid, as they have shown promise and contributed on the roster. Thrash, Bates, and Kendall are less certain to receive tenders.

  • The Browns must make decisions on their ERFAs ahead of the start of 2026 NFL free agency.

The players

Andre Szmyt

The Browns' kicker last season, Szmyt is expected to receive a tender offer to remain with the team.

Rex Sunahara

Cleveland's long snapper in 2025, Sunahara is also likely to be tendered by the Browns.

Malachi Corley

A wide receiver who showed promise in 2025, Corley is a priority tender candidate for the Browns.

Winston Reid

The linebacker was a contributor and special teams player before injuries last season, making him another likely tender recipient.

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What they’re saying

“Even though Cleveland wants to overhaul their receiving corp to a degree, Corley showed some nice shiftiness last year and warrants another look in training camp.”

— Chris Pokorny, Author

“Reid was a bit banged up from injuries last year, but has been a promising player and special teams contributor who should also get another look in camp.”

— Chris Pokorny, Author

What’s next

The Browns must decide which of their ERFAs to tender offers to before the start of the 2026 NFL free agency period.

The takeaway

Retaining young, promising players on team-friendly ERFA deals is an important part of roster management for the Browns as they look to build depth and continuity on their roster.