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The Cleveland Browns have made a lot of moves this offseason, most notably the trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson. The team has addressed some major holes and needs on the team but the work is not done. There are still a few spots on the roster that need help and improvement. The three biggest holes on the roster that need to be addressed with major additions are interior defensive line, edge rusher, and wide receiver. Free agency and the trade market have already been wild this offseason. The second wave of free agency is an important part for teams as it is usually the time players can be signed at a good value. With the second wave of free agency upon us, let’s take a look at some possible additions that can help address the three biggest needs on the roster.
Interior Defensive Line
Overview of the Unit
The Browns interior defensive line is probably the weakest area on the entire roster right now. The team has just three interior defensive linemen on the roster in Jordan Elliott, Tommy Togiai, and newly signed Taven Bryan. All three are young defenders, but with very little sustained success in the NFL. Both starting jobs in the interior are up for grabs, so this unit is very fluid and in need of an influx of talent.
Free Agency Options
Calais Campbell: Campbell has been an elite interior defensive lineman for more than a decade. He is now 35 years old, but he still has not lost much as a player, which is remarkable. He is a well-rounded defender who can affect the run and pass game. He would likely be a short-term option given his age, but the immediate effect of his addition would be immense. Plus, taking a great player from a division rival is another positive.
Akiem Hicks: Hicks has been one of the most dominant interior defenders in the NFL over the past decade or so. He is 32 years old, so he is not at the top of his game, but he still is a quality starter and a big upgrade to Cleveland. He is at his best against the run. Like Campbell, he would be a short-term option who can immediately start and improve this unit.
Linval Joseph: Joseph is another short-term option for the Browns given his age at 33 years old. He is a really good run defender and can still start in this league. He may not be up to the other two defenders’ levels, but he still would be a good addition to insert into the starting lineup.
Conclusion
There are a few really good options in free agency who can be big-time short-term additions. There are not really any long-term starters on the market, but for this team, a short-term addition would be welcomed. I would love to see them sign either Campbell or Hicks. The roster has youth already at the position, so getting an experienced starter would do wonders for the group.
Edge Rushers
Overview of the Unit
Cleveland has the best edge rusher in the NFL in Myles Garrett. His presence alone gives this unit a major boost. But, he needs help. Cleveland traded for Chase Winovich this offseason and he should be a nice rotational player for the unit. Curtis Weaver is the only other edge rusher on the roster. The one major hole in this position is the starting edge rusher spot opposite of Garrett.
Free Agency Options
Jadeveon Clowney: Clowney was a great complement to Garrett last season. He excelled as a run defender and played well as a pass rusher, too. The fit is already known here, so he would be an ideal option. The question is whether he wants to continue his one-year deal string or actually sign a long-term contract. The Browns would love for him to be the complement to Garrett for several years to come.
Jerry Hughes: Hughes is an older player, but he still is a highly productive starter in the NFL. He is at his best rushing the passer in passing situations. At 33 years old, he would likely only be a short-term option, but one who could start this season opposite of Garrett.
Melvin Ingram: Ingram is another older edge rusher at 32 years old. He is a well-rounded defender with the ability to rush the passer and defend the run. He would be a short-term option to start for a year or two opposite of Garrett.
Trey Flowers: Flowers could be a nice long-term solution for the edge rusher unit. He has been productive for multiple teams in the NFL. At just 28 years old, he is a complete edge rusher who can start and affect the run and pass game.
Conclusion
The easiest solution and the one I would put at the top of my list is re-signing Clowney to a long-term contract. He fit well with Garrett last season and so we know he fits on the defense. If it is not Clowney, Hughes and Ingram would be nice short-term options, while Flowers could be a longer-term addition. Cleveland needs a reliable starter to pair with Garrett.
Wide Receivers
Overview of the Unit
The Browns made their first move of the offseason acquiring Amari Cooper from the Dallas Cowboys. But, they also released Jarvis Landry this offseason. Cleveland has Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz returning. They also signed Jakeem Grant in free agency. Ja’Marcus Bradley is the only other receiver on the roster. Cooper is the team’s top receiver, but the team lacks consistent performers besides him.
Free Agency Options
Will Fuller: Fuller would be a perfect addition to this roster that is in need of game-breakers and deep threats. Fuller is still relatively young, but the issues have always been related to his health. He has not been able to stay healthy for a full season during his career. Nevertheless, he is a vertical threat who can open up an offense.
Jarvis Landry: Landry was the heart and soul of the Browns’ resurgence over the past few years. He was released due to his contract, but both sides are reportedly willing to come back together. Landry was hurt last season and underperformed, but when healthy he is a tough receiver who can make contested catches. He is still a quality starter in the NFL.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling: Valdes-Scantling is a vertical threat who can help open up an offense. He is probably not a starter, but he is young enough to possibly become one in the right situation.
Odell Beckham Jr.: A week ago this would have been a ridiculous addition to include. But, with the change at quarterback, the rumors are out that Beckham may be more open to a return. I still don’t believe it, but I will include his name based purely on the talent he would provide this unit. He is coming off another major injury, so he would not be ready for Game 1, meaning he cannot be the only addition if they go this route.
Julio Jones: Jones has produced when he has been on the field. But, he has been hurt over the last few seasons, making his chances of producing on a consistent basis going forward a big gamble. If the Browns want to take a chance, Jones would be the wildcard addition to take that gamble.
Conclusion
Will Fuller is probably the best fit for what the team needs at the position. But, like many of the other free-agent options, health is a major issue to consider. Landry would be a solid addition because he already knows the offense. In reality, free agency might not be the answer for this unit. The trade market or the draft would likely be a better avenue to find a solution.
