Browns Rumor: Adrian Clayborn on Team’s Radar
The amount of Cleveland Browns rumors that we expect this off-season is high. After a struggle to start the off-season, the Browns are likely to attack the rest in an aggressive way. Even this morning’s “new logo” announcement was a part of a re-branding of the entire team. While the logo was not significant or impressive it was a part of the organization moving forward.
One way the Browns will move forward is via free agency. While the team has stated that they will not be likely to be big players, the current Browns rumor is that the team is looking at bringing in Adrian Clayborn in free agency, this via ESPN:
"The next ‘radar’ player is…Bucs DE Adrian Clayborn.His name was mentioned in Browns circles during last week’s combine talks. The idea is Clayborn is a talented former first-rounder whose had two unproductive years in four chances because of injury. Clayborn should have a free-agent market but not as big as had he stayed healthy. In two healthy seasons, Clayborn had 13 sacks and five forced fumbles.Clayborn is a natural 4-3 end but has the size (6-foot-3, 280) to play the end spot in a 4-3, possibly opposite Desmond Bryant."
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Clayborn has been considered a “bust” in Tampa Bay but could be a cheaper option for the team trying to upgrade their roster. The defensive line is a big issue that the Browns need to address. While Clayborn could fill a starting role at 3-4 defensive end, they still need a nose tackle that can anchor against the run.
Adding Clayborn will open up more options in the NFL Draft. The Browns should address the nose tackle in the first round but could decide to invest in a defensive end with their other first rounder or in the first Three Rounds. Signing Clayborn could either eliminate the need to do that or put less pressure on whoever the Browns do select in the Draft. Good teams don’t fill needs, they prepare for the future. Clayborn and a draft pick could help the Browns down the road when Phil Taylor, Billy Winn and John Hughes are all free agents soon.
Clayborn is unlikely to command a big salary but with the Browns reportedly already planning to make a push for him, he could be signed quickly.
What do you think about this Browns rumor about Adrian Clayborn?