The Cleveland Browns are in a tough spot where they have one of the most stifling defenses in the NFL but still lack something that would make them an elite unit in the NFL.
While changes can still be made within the team through trades and the draft, finding talented free agents who can still make an impact on the team.
Cory Kinnan of Browns Wire listed players they can target in free agency that can improve the team in various ways.
Top players the Cleveland Browns can target in 2024 free agency
Top defensive line talents are still available
Arik Armstead is arguably the biggest name among the free-agent defensive tackles still available. Drafted in 2015 by the San Francisco 49ers, he was a reliable member of the defensive line who 15 solo tackles and five sacks during his final year with the team.
Another defensive tackle they can target in Cincinnati Bengals’ DJ Reader. The 29-year-old may not have had as solid of a season as Armstead, but the 29-year-old can make a couple of sacks with Myles Garrett demanding attention from O-Lines.
Multiple options are available at running back
The Cleveland Browns aren’t ready to give up on Nick Chubb just yet, but taking steps to search for a solid backup is never a bad idea.
They have two solid options in D’Onta Foreman and JK Dobbins. Foreman only played nine games for the Chicago Bears, but he still managed to rush for 425 yards and four TDs. Dobbins didn’t manage to play much last season, but his solid rookie season in Baltimore (805 yards and eight TDs) makes him an attractive enough prospect to work on.
Linebacker reinforcements are also available
It’s clear that the Cleveland pass rush starts and ends with Garrett, but finding great linebackers will open gaps that Garrett and the rest of the Browns pass rush get to the QB quicker.
Isaiah Simmons is one of the more surprising free-agent LBs available. He put up an impressive 2023 with the New York Giants, notching 33 solo tackles, one sack, one interception that went for a 54-yard pick-six, three pass deflections, one forced fumble, and once fumble recovery.
Cody Barton had a similar season with the Washington Commanders. The Utah alum made 67 solo tackles and scored one interception for 52 yards. He also had one pass deflection and one fumble recovery.
For More Content
Message me at c.alamodin.writes@gmail.com for questions and opportunities.