Report: Jerry Hughes Likely to Stay in Buffalo
The Cleveland Browns have recorded interest in Jerry Hughes, the pass rusher from the Buffalo Bills, but could be left at the alter. Hughes, after being a bust with the Colts, revived his career with the Bills under current Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine. Pettine, as the defensive coordinator of the Bills, helped get Hughes to maximize his potential leading to double digit sacks. The fit in Cleveland seemed perfect.
Yesterday we noted that the Browns had in fact made contact with Hughes’ agent and were interested in signing him. Today we learned that the Bills and Hughes are making progress and there is the expectation that he remains in Buffalo:
Robinson believes the Jags could up the price too much for the Bills, which for sure would be too much for the Browns. Buffalo gave LeSean McCoy a new contract today, which actually dropped his cap hit freeing up space. The Bills now have an extra $5 million to play with and, if Robinson is right, have prioritized Hughes as someone they will spend money on.
For the Browns losing out on Hughes is tough but not a death blow. Trent Cole is reportedly visiting the Browns today and would be an older, cheaper version of what Hughes gives. The Browns could also attack the position via the draft, even early, with quite a few pass rushers.
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Ray Farmer is not apt to overpay, especially when there are other options out there. Whether Hughes relationship with Pettine gives the Browns an in is another discussion. In free agency money always talks. Players only take less, a little less, money when they are staying with their current teams. If they are moving on, they generally are moving on for the most money.
The Browns have been active in conversations but it doesn’t mean they will land any of the big targets that they have been seeking. Jerry Hughes looks like he might be the first target of their’s off the board, and he will not be the last. Click the link below for our list of all things Browns Free Agency: Profiles, rumors, reports and hopes.