5 Free agents the Browns can still snag

Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ahmad Bradshaw

A couple of weeks back, I wrote about how the Browns should target running back Ahmad Bradshaw, and I received a lot of mixed reviews. Mainly, because fans want to see how this young backfield of Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West, Duke Johnson react to taking the brunt of the carries without a veteran stealing snaps.

Related: Why the Browns should sign Ahmad Bradshaw 

Well, now that Duke Johnson is out of practice with injury, and Terrance West having injuries of his own, I’ve heard some fans call for the signing of a veteran back. The name that keeps being mentioned is Ray Rice. Personally, I’d stay away from that circus. Not to mention, he didn’t play at all in 2014, and the season prior he averaged a dreadful 3.1 yards per carry. I just don’t see the upside.

Let’s get back to Bradshaw.

He’ll start the season suspended one-game over an issue with marijuana, while also coming off a season-ending injury that forced him to miss the final six regular season games. Ok, so those are his downfalls. He also brings a career 4.6 yards per carry clip, and a very reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield.

He wouldn’t be signing with Cleveland to unseat any of the younger backs, he would just be serving as an insurance policy. At the end of the day, it comes down to how many backs the coaching staff want on the roster, and their injury status. I’ve always been a fan of Bradshaw’s shifty running style, and I think his toughness would make him an instant fan favorite in Cleveland.

Next: 4. Red Bryant