Trent Cole: Browns Free Agency Profile
The Cleveland Browns season is over. We will spend a good amount of time reviewing the season but we will spend even more time preparing for the off-season. Browns free agency seems destined to be an interesting one. The Browns spent a little bit of money last year with anticipating of building through the draft for long term success. The 2014 year was expected to be another down year with high expectations towards the future. Instead the 2014 started off strong and ended with a thud.
Now the Browns are full of salary cap space, even though they have a few free agents of their own they might like to sign, as well as 10 picks in the NFL Draft, including two 1st rounders. It is likely that GM Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine see a greater need for more veteran talent on a very young roster and we expect them to be aggressive in seeking to bring in that talent during Browns free agency.
In preparation for such, we will be taking a look at certain players that we think the Browns could target. Keep in mind we are not saying that these are the players they are targeting, although some rumors may start to leak of the Browns having interest in them, instead these are players that we think the Browns could or should have interest in. Our profile will try to include as much information as possible to prepare you for free agency.
Every Free Agent Profile Done Can Be Found Here: 2015 Browns Free Agency Profile List
Name
Cole is reportedly visiting with the Browns and has at least one other visit planned. The Xenia, Ohio native and former UC player, could be a good fit for the Browns:
Trent Cole will visit the browns on Sunday and the colts Monday.
— Derrick Gunn (@RealDGunn) March 6, 2015
Position
OLB/DE
Height/Weight
6-3/270
2014 Team
Philadelphia Eagles
Stats:
15 Games; 52 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
PFF Grade/Rank: (Link)
Grade: +6.5 (11th best of all Edge Defenders)
2014 Free Agent Signing Comparison Contract
LaMarr Woodley (2 year, $12 million with the Oakland Raiders)
Woodley, the long time Pittsburgh Steeler, was one of a couple veteran additions for the Raiders last season. The now 30 year old was seen as an upgrade to the Raiders pass rush and had years of experience that said he could do it. Cole, now 32, is in a similar situation but, unlikely LaMarr, still seems to have some gas left in the tank. Woodley was cut already this off-season by the Raiders. We don’t expect Cole to have a similar situation but his contract could fit Woodley’s.
Fit with the Browns
Cole would be a perfect fit with the Browns. The team is likely to move on from Jabaal Sheard and Mike Pettine’s defense needs at least 3 guys who can get after the passer from the outside. Cole can do that standing up as well as with his hand in the dirt. The Browns are likely to go after Jerry Hughes as well as Cole and could prioritize Cole, partially because he is available now and partially because he could come cheaper. Lane Adkins from The OBR is hearing that the Browns are aggressively going after Cole:
Browns Player Signing Could Impact
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Sheard – If the Browns can’t bring in Cole or Hughes they could turn back to Sheard. Sheard could be much better suited, and paid, as a defensive end in a 4-3 but if the price is right the Browns could go back to him. Bringing in Cole or Hughes would quickly close the door on that option.
How Signing Could Impact the NFL Draft
Slightly – There is a difference between signing Cole and signing Hughes. Hughes is young enough that it could mean the Browns ignore drafting a OLB early. Cole on the other hand is up in age and would have as big of an impact. The presence of Cole would like create a tiebreaker scenario that the team would go in another direction. Having veterans like Cole and Paul Kruger would give the Browns players who could help mold a high pick, along with young Barkevious Ming.
Priority
Medium – The Browns need to add to their pass rush and they look like they will be aggressive toward Cole to be that guy. While Cole has advanced in age, his production and health have been solid. He also has the ability to play with his hand in the dirt and standing up, a big plus in Pettine’s system. The Browns are likely to have competition for Cole but their cap space, Pettine, defenses ability and proximity to home all could play in their favor.
What do you think about targeting Trent Cole in Browns Free Agency?
Every Free Agent Profile Done Can Be Found Here: 2015 Browns Free Agency Profile List