The Cleveland Browns have had a slow start to NFL free agency, but there are plenty of players left on the open market that could come at a bargain rate.
Thus far, the Browns have signed pass rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas, and defensive tackle Maliek Collins. They have also re-signed linebacker Devin Bush to another one-year deal. Their biggest deal, perhaps, has been the trade of Dorian Thompson-Robinson and a fifth round pick for quarterback Kenny Pickett. They have also revised the deal of offensive tackle Jack Conklin to clear additional cap space.
So who is still on the market that the Browns could pursue as the first week of NFL free agency comes to an end? Here are a handful of realistic options:
RB Nick Chubb
This is the obvious one, right? The Browns should be able to ink a deal back with Nick Chubb. While the rumors leading up to NFL free agency were not promising, the odds that Chubb returns as the days go back increase. Chubb will be cheap, even if it is a one-year deal, and there are injury protections that can allow for the veteran running back to make more money while counting less against the cap in Cleveland.
RB J.K. Dobbins
If the Browns do not bring Chubb back, or even if they do, the former Ohio State running back J.K. Dobbins is worth the add. Besides, the Browns need more than one running back in the room as they look to overhaul their offense and Dobbins is coming off of a bounce-back season after being plagued with injuries during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. This contract would once again be a short-term deal and relatively inexpensive.
WR Tyler Lockett
The Browns need to get more dynamic at the wide receiver position, and while Tyler Lockett would be a short-term option, he could be a mentor in a young room that may just include another relatively high-drafted rookie entering the fold in the Spring. Not only that, but Lockett still has gas left in the tank to fill in with some slot/Z versatility.
TE Jordan Akins
Veteran tight end Jordan Akins was good while filling in for David Njoku when he was injured! As the Browns look to add likely two tight ends this offseason, bringing Akins back (despite his lackluster ability to block as the team returns to a wide zone system) would be an inexpensive option for the Browns that would give them another weapon in the slot.
TE Kylen Granson
As the Browns return to a wide zone system, they no longer have Harrison Bryant to be their move tight end and H-back like he used to do for them before the scheme change. The Browns likely draft a tight end who could fill this role like Bowling Green’s Harold Fannin, but they could look for that role player in NFL free agency as well. Kylen Granson has the skillset to fit that role.
OL Mekhi Becton
Former first round pick Mekhi Becton found success playing guard for the Philadelphia Eagles and got a ring out of his season there. However, he still has the size and athleticism profile that would allow for him to win at tackle. He was a natural left tackle and the Browns need a left tackle that can get lateral in the run game. Can they continue Becton’s redemption arc after his abysmal time in the Big Apple?
S Julian Blackmon
The Browns have been hunting for a serviceable safety to play over the top for a half-decade now. While Grant Delpit has taken strides forward, he is best when he can play with his eyes to the football and his feet closer to the line of scrimmage. The Browns have to figure out their free safety situation after missing on both John Johnson III and Juan Thornhill. Former Indianapolis Colts safety Julian Blackmon did just that under Gus Bradley in a Cover-3 heavy scheme with a great deal of ball production and is the best bet to make of the safeties left on the market.
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