The Cleveland Browns could take a swing at free agents like Chris Jones and Chase Young this offseason, both of which will be featured this weekend in Conference Championship weekend.
With only two defensive tackles under contract beyond this season (Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika), the Browns will be big players in that market in free agency once again after missing out on Javon Hargrave and Dre’Mont Jones a year ago. The Browns also need quite a bit of help in their wide receiver room as it is one of the worst units in the league when Amari Cooper is not healthy.
Other positions will pique interest as well, such as linebacker (where fresh blood and younger legs are needed), and safety as a third one is going to be added to the roster with Rodney McLeod likely nearing retirement.
Here are 15 pending unrestricted free agents who fit what the Browns will be looking for this offseason to keep an eye on this weekend.
S CJ Gardner-Johnson, Detroit Lions
With Rodney McLeod likely moving on, a new third safety and nickel could be in order.
WR Josh Reynolds, Detroit Lions
As the Browns look to add another piece or two to their wide receiver room, could a quiet grinder make his way to Cleveland?
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones, Detroit Lions
Could a reunion be in order?
DE Chase Young, San Francisco 49ers
With Za’Darius Smith set to hit the open market, could the Browns make a play for Chase Young?
DT Javon Kinlaw, San Francisco 49ers
Andrew Berry loves to take on former first round reclamation projects.
DT Sebastian Joseph-Day, San Francisco 49ers
His big contract with the Los Angeles Chargers did not work out. Could he turn to Jim Schwartz to remold his image?
Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
After the Chiefs passed on giving him a long-term deal last offseason, could the Browns take a massive swing?
LB Willie Gay Jr., Kansas City Chiefs
The Browns need to add some fresh blood to their linebacker room, and the athletic Willie Gay Jr. may just be their guy.
LB Drue Tranquill, Kansas City Chiefs
Copy and paste the blurb above.
LB Patrick Queen, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens did not pick up his fifth-year option and chose to extend Roquon Smith. Could the Browns capitalize and add a division rival?
QB Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens
The Browns clearly need to invest in a backup quarterback. Huntley has starting experience and would be a clear upgrade over P.J. Walker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
RB J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens
A healthy J.K. Dobbins is a premier back in the NFL. That has not been a clear trend throughout his career, however. He won’t be playing this weekend, but a look this offseason on a cheap deal may be a worth-while investment.
DT Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens
Madubuike is going to get paid this offseason, but are the Ravens going to be the team to do it?
LB Malik Harrison, Baltimore Ravens
If the Browns let Sione Takitaki walk, Malik Harrison would be a fun add at SAM linebacker.
WR Devin Duvernay, Baltimore Ravens
A strong YAC receiver with returner ability, the Browns may finally find the right gadget guy.
