NFL Free Agency: Best Remaining Players for Browns Needs

Aug 28, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, left, and general manager Ray Farmer talk before a game against the Chicago Bears at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns have been actively involved in multiple conversations during NFL Free Agency. Unfortunately they have either swung and missed based on price and value or had a player choose another location. They have brought in their likely starting QB in Josh McCown, not that he excites anyone, and a solid #2 or 3 receiver in Brian Hartline.

The Browns have shown interest in different pass rushers, receivers, defensive linemen and tight ends. There are a few left for each of those positions that could still help the Browns. A key thing to remember: as free agency continues, prices drop. Andrew Brandt, a former front office executive, said as much a few days ago:

We are a few days into free agency and the players still on the market are going to be hard pressed to see huge deals unless there are certain circumstances. Restricted Free Agents and Charles Clay, the Transitioned Tagged Tight End, could have to wait a bit as teams hope to structure deals to make current team not match.

Besides that, many of the players on this list could be had for a bargain. Some of the players likely expected that they were in for a big deal and will look for a 1 year, make good kind of deal to try to re-establish their market. The Browns could pounce on these kind of players as they buoy their roster while waiting for some of their young players to develop.

So let’s start with our look at players that could fill some of the Browns holes and are still available.

Next: Wide Receivers

Dec 28, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is introduced before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi

Wide Receiver

Having already signed Hartline and having faith in Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel, the Browns may not sign another receiver this year. Drafting a player who can develop into a #1 could be higher on their priority list. Yet here are a couple that are available and our Browns related thoughts on them:

Cecil Shorts – Shorts, the Cleveland area native, would be a low end #1 that could give the Browns time to develop a youngster for that role. Shorts would give the Browns a competitive group of receivers and allow them to go in a different direction in the draft as well. Shorts has stated that he wants to win and a good quarterback so that could rule out the Browns.

Denarius Moore – The former #1 receiver for the Raiders is a bit of hit or miss but his past with John DeFilippo could come in handy. He isn’t going to wow anyone with his overall ability but could be an intriguing add. Restricted Raiders WR Andre Holmes could be another target later.

Dwayne Bowe – Bowe is a bigger receiver but has fallen off in recent years and thinks he is better than he really is. He does have a history with Ray Farmer which could mean something but doesn’t seem to fit what the Browns want from a player. There has been reports of interest and, if so, expect a one year deal.

Michael Crabtree – We will just group these two together. Crabtree has talent but thinks he is more than he has shown. The Browns shouldn’t pass up talent too often but again locker room dynamics and player attitude is huge. A one year deal where he must be on his best behavior is the best chance.

Stevie Johnson – Johnson was with Mike Pettine in Buffalo so they know each other. While Johnson is talented, his penchant for breaking off routes and free lancing isn’t something the Browns are going to want as they try to develop consistency with their quarterbacks. Johnson has reported he hasn’t heard from the Browns.

Next: Tight Ends

Dec 7, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) runs against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Ravens won 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Tight End

Charles Clay – Clay is obviously the best available tight end on the market. Not only are the Browns competing with the Transition Tag but they have two teams, the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, who are more likely to get him. This is a classic case where the Browns are not likely to want to overpay for a player just because of limited options.

Jermaine Gresham – The Browns have been linked to the former Bengal but have not visited with him yet. Gresham has the body and athleticism that teams love at tight end but his hands and effort are sometimes lacking. He would be a solid pickup in a limited market for the Browns.

Tony Moeaki – Moeaki looked like he would be a breakout star after his rookie season. Sadly he hadn’t played at all in odd numbered years since. After 47 and 33 receptions in Kansas City, he had 8 last year in 6 games with Seattle. His injuries may have robbed him of his explosiveness but the Browns could take a gamble here.

Next: Defensive Linemen

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork (75) during Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Linemen

Vince Wilfork – After playing his entire career with the Patriots, it may be tough for big Vince to come play for a team that has lost a lot in the Browns. Wilfork would be a great 2 down player and mentor for whoever the Browns drafted for their long term nose tackle. If his free agency continues at a slow pace, the Browns might enter the picture or he could return to New England.

B.J. Raji – Raji is a player that has struggled with injuries but could return after a year off and be helpful. More suited for the defensive end role in the Browns 3-4, he can also slide inside to the nose position. He would come on a cheap make good contract after being out for a year with injury.

Michael Johnson – A dark horse here. Johnson, released by Tampa Bay, could return to the Bengals and is best suited for their 4-3. His size and length at 6’7″ could create a unique defensive end in the Browns odd man front. He is likely choosing between the Vikings and Bengals but the Browns could be a fresh start that could intrigue him.

Next: Pass Rushers

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy (76) during the first half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pass Rushers

Greg Hardy – Few are willing to speculate where Greg Hardy lands. Based on his legal issues he could still be suspended for part of next season, which could be delaying his free agency. Some teams, possibly the Browns, could also have him off their board due to those issues. If not, Hardy would provide a great pass rusher outside for the Browns. They almost got Trent Cole for the position and Hardy could be even more dynamic.

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Da’Quan Bowers – Another situation of a defensive end turned outside linebacker if the Browns would sign them, Bowers has had injuries that have held him back. Injury concerns dropped him from the expected #1 pick all the way into the second round. The Browns could try to revitalize his career by using him as a stand up rusher.

John Abraham – The veteran has the versatility to play in either even or odd man fronts. He was injured early last year and, at 36, doesn’t have a ton left in the tank. For the Browns he could come in as a rotational player that could have a huge impact on passing downs. His experience and skill would give Pettine an ability to be very creative.

What do you think of the list of players that fit the Browns need in NFL Free Agency?

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