5 Free agents the Browns can still snag

Vincent Rapisardi

Sep 21, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. San Diego beats Buffalo 22 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

At this point in training camp, injuries have begun. We already saw Barkevious Mingo go down with a knee injury, as well as the issues already stirring at running back. So, just like any fan of any team, we look to the free agent market for proven talent.

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Who’s out there? A lot of 30 something-year-old guys, who are free agents for a reason. Mainly because of a decrease in performance, leading to contract and salary cap issues, resulting in the release of that specific player.

We’ll see more veteran players hit the market over the next couple of weeks, as team’s make much larger cuts in their roster. For now, the Cleveland Browns have a few depth chart holes that I think can be filled with a couple of free agent acquisitions.

Some of the players I suggest, you may agree with, some you may not. You may not agree with any of them, but you know I love hearing what you guys have to say in the comment section below. So, let’s get started, shall we? Here are five current free agents the Browns should target to add depth to their roster.

Next: 5. Ahmad Bradshaw

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.

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

Oct 26, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Red Bryant (79) reacts after making a tackle against the Miami Dolphins at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Richard Dole-USA TODAY Sports

4. Red Bryant

Last season, the Browns ranked dead last against the run, which had everything to do with the drafting of defensive tackle, Danny Shelton, in the first-round. They hope that Phil Taylor can play a full season – something he hasn’t done since his rookie year – but he’s no safe bet at this point to be counted on for health.

So that brings Red Bryant into the discussion.

Bryant has been a force as a run-stoppper for years, both with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, resulting in two very large contracts from both organizations. The problem is that both teams found cheaper replacements for him, ending in him hitting the free agent market.

What stands out the most in Bryant’s career, are his five career blocked field goals, two of which happened in one game. So, he brings a special dynamic to the table, as well as the ability to play both the interior and end position on the defensive line. He could be a cheap value play on the free agent market for Cleveland.

Next: 3. Josh Cribbs

Dec 28, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Cribbs (16) takes the kickoff from the Tennessee Titans and rushes to the Tennessee twenty seven yard line during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

3. Josh Cribbs

In 2014, the Browns ranked 28th in both kick and punt return yards, with a bevy of returners. The team recently released their first of many depth charts, with Marlon Moore and Shaun Draughn the two kick returners, and Travis Benjamin returning punts.

So far, those three have proved themselves in camp, but why not target someone who has proven it over a much larger period of time? That’s when I suggest the reunion between the Browns and Josh Cribbs. Cribbs, 32, played for the Browns for eight seasons, logging in 11 return touchdowns – both on kickoffs and punts – and three Pro Bowl appearances.

With the shaky circumstances of who’s returning kicks, Cribbs could be a real option for Cleveland. I know the organization wants to see Justin Gilbert return kicks in the preseason, so this move could happen deeper into camp, but be on the lookout for Cribbs’ name if the return game struggles in preseason.

Next: 2. Jay Feely

Dec 1, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals place kicker Jay Feely (4) lines up a PAT attempt during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cardinals 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jay Feely

There’s one thing that really bugs me about this Browns roster, and it’s their kicking situation. They head into the season with two kickers – Travis Coons and Carey Spear – fighting for the starting spot, who have never kicked in an NFL game before.

Not sure what they’re thinking with that one.

This team has a very limited tight end situation, which reeks of red zone trouble, and with a game-manager at quarterback, they will certainly be in a ton of field goal opportunities. If this organization truly believes they’re going to be contending for a playoff spot, do they really trust a rookie kicker if there’s a game on the line late in the season?

At least have a veteran kicker battle the younger guys in camp, and allow yourself another option at the position. That’s where I see Jay Feely fitting right in. Feely, 39, has been on six teams in his 14-year NFL career, posting a career 82.6% field goal percentage, and four seasons of 30 field goals made or more.

He’s a consistent veteran that provides much needed experience at the position. He is set to tryout for the Pittsburgh Steelers, if he doesn’t sign, I’d suggest the Browns take a peek into his services.

Next: 1. Dwight Freeney

Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) lines up against the St. Louis Rams during the fourth quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dwight Freeney

For years, Dwight Freeney was a menace to opposing quarterbacks. Racking up seven double-digit sack seasons, seven Pro Bowl selections, and three first-team All-Pro’s. The last two seasons for the 35-year-old pass-rusher, have not garnered big numbers, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t add value.