The Cleveland Browns are expected to be some $30 million under the salary cap this March. That’s more cap space than all but four NFL teams.

But owner Jimmy Haslam said Wednesday the team will not be active in the market.

His exact statement: “I think you’ll see us playing less in free agency.”

Which is interesting, especially given the whopping increase in ticket prices this offseason. Increased prices would seem to mean more revenues, which means more ability to spend on free agents (yes, that could be an oversimplification).

Asked why the team would not spend in free agency, Haslam said this: “I just think you have to see what your team needs are and who’s available and see what makes sense for your team.”

Which clears that up. #sarcasmfont

It’s an interesting approach because this year’s class of free agents actually has talented players. A lot can happen in terms of re-signings and franchise tags before free agency begins March 10, but at this point ESPN Stats & Information reports the following on this year’s group:

Yet the Browns won’t be active, the owner said.

Last season the Browns were aggressive in signing Karlos Dansby and Donte Whitner within minutes of the start of free agency. Soon after came Andrew Hawkins and Ben Tate.

In 2013, the Joe Banner-led group brought in Desmond Bryant and Paul Kruger.

The Browns do have several of their own players heading to free agency, but the tea leaves do not point to them returning.

The Browns' interest in Brian Hoyer has been lukewarm, at best, and he may be ready to go elsewhere. Tight end Jordan Cameron is rumored to not be interested in returning. And cornerback Buster Skrine said on SirusXM Radio this week that he’s going to test the market.

Pro Bowl free safety Tashaun Gipson is a restricted free agent, so the Browns will have to give him a high tender -- or risk having to match an offer he signs.

Haslam said the reaction to the ticket price increase was as expected. He quipped that nobody calls to say thanks, and said he’s “probably the most sensitive person to raising ticket prices.”

Maybe his statement on free agency is designed to hide the team’s intentions, but in free agency there is a three-day negotiating period. So there are few secrets.

As for this free-agent class: “We plan to build through the draft, so getting the draft right is so important.”