NFL Free Agency Rumor: Quickly Browns Show Interest in Two
The Cleveland Browns may not be active often but a NFL Free Agency Rumor says that the team has quickly shown interest in two big time free agents. According to Lane Adkins of The OBR, again someone we encourage you to following along with, the Browns are looking at Jerry Hughes and Cecil Shorts to fill two of their needs:
Those are two names that make a lot of sense and would greatly improve the Browns roster. We talked this morning about Shorts being the Browns primary focus for the team at the receiver. Shorts would provide the Browns with a talented player that would be a low end #1, high end #2. Shorts can play both inside and out for the Browns and give them a young veteran to hopefully pair with a #1 type from free agency or in the NFL Draft.
Hughes is an interesting player. The former 1st round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, Hughes came into his own with the Buffalo Bills. In his first three seasons in the league Hughes notched a total of 5 sacks and 61 tackles. After joining the Bills, and current Browns Head Coach and former Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, Hughes had his breakout season. He totaled 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles on 46 tackles in 2013. Last year, with a new DC and system, he still had 9.5 sacks, 3 FF (1 recovery) and 53 tackles.
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Hughes would be a perfect part of a rotation with Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo. He has the ability to attack the passer while still being stout against the run. PFF gave Hughes a 9.7 overall ranking, placing him 8th on their list of edge defenders who are free agents. With Pettine’s defense Hughes, Kruger and Mingo can all play with their hand in the dirt as well as standing up. Jabaal Sheard is a free agent and will likely be replaced, Hughes or Trent Cole would be perfect replacements for the Browns.
As Lane states, they are interested in Hughes and Shorts, that doesn’t mean they will be able to sign them. Last year the Browns went after Donte Whitner and Karlos Dansby quickly in free agency and were able to pull them in. This year far more teams have cap space which could make the process difficult.
What do you think of this NFL Free Agency Rumor about the Browns showing quick interest in Jerry Hughes and Cecil Shorts?