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So far this offseason, the Cleveland Browns have appeared to the early MVP’s of free agency. While they haven’t grabbed many flashy free agents, general manager John Dorsey and company were able to snag some young veterans that are more substance than style.
However the biggest move has been both substance and style with their acquisition of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Now with the first round of free agency winding down and the draft being about month away, there’s still holes to fill and potential moves to be made.
These five moves could excite Browns’ fans through trade or free agency. Without further ado, here’s the list.
5.) Sign Eric Berry
Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry was once a top tier safety that gained a lot of notoriety after he defeated cancer. However, a string of just okay seasons, mixed in with the Chiefs youth movement took it’s toll on the 30-year old veteran.
Add an injury rattled season and the addition of Tyrann Mathieu, spelled the end of his tenure. What’s hurt even more is that teams like the Dallas Cowboys, who he seemed to bank on even passed on him for George Illoka.
Given his history with Dorsey, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him don the brown and orange. The only questions are how much, how long, and can he stay healthy? He’s lower on the list for those questions, as well as there being at least one better option that could be seen at this position.
4.) Trade back into the first round
This is the first time since 2008 that the Browns didn’t have a first-round pick. With the talent that will be around in day two and early day three, Cleveland can afford to wait and scoop up some unbelievable talent.
That being said, Dorsey could have his eyes on somebody special. If he does, watch for a move to be made to wrap them up. With the quarterbacks in this class receiving more and more attention by the week, we could see linebackers like LSU Tigers’ Devin White and Michigan Wolverine’s Devin Bush fall.
Also look for secondary pieces like Washington Huskies cornerback Byron Murphy, Tigers cornerback Greedy Williams, and safety Jonathan Abram to fall in our laps. Cleveland could sneak back into the first round to sure up those positions but it could come at a cost, which is what could make some moves skeptical.
3.) Sign Kayvon Webster
The Browns had some major issues in the secondary last year. While cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Terrence Mitchell both looked promising, injuries cut their seasons short. It also didn’t help that E.J. Gaines and the other backups didn’t live up to snuff.
Enter Kayvon Webster who didn’t have an ideal season, if for no other reason, due to a knee problem. Webster is 28 and actually has a high Pro Football Focus score. Given that Dorsey takes more gambles then a high roller in Las Vegas, don’t be surprised if he hands Webster a one or two-year deal.
2.) Trade for Darron Lee
Cleveland was one of three teams rumored to be talking with the New York Jets about linebacker Darron Lee. The popular speculation is that the 24-year old former Ohio State Buckeye could be sent over in a move for defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah.
New Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams saw a lot of potential in Ogbah and would more than likely be interested in putting him into his defense. Given the Browns hole in the linebacker spot, the trade would work out.
1.) Sign Morgan Burnett
Strong safety Derrick Kindred is by no means a lackluster player. Prior to Jabrill Peppers being moved from free safety to strong safety, he was a very capable player and even caused a fight for Peppers’ future.
Ultimately, Peppers won out, but after the season, he was dealt as part of the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. Now Kindred could start, but given that Morgan Burnett plays the same position and is said to be released by April 1st, why not take a flier.
Burnett was a good player in Green Bay prior to his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh tried to make him into a Mark Barron player (coincidently who they signed) but it didn’t work out. If Cleveland can snatch him up, then their defense would be near complete and ready to compete.
