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Cleveland Browns: 3 free agents to add from AFC North rivals

By Murray Alexander

Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) catches a touchdown as Cleveland Browns cornerback Charles Gaines (43) defends during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) catches a touchdown as Cleveland Browns cornerback Charles Gaines (43) defends during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon (90) rushes the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Panthers won 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Steve McLendon (90) rushes the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Panthers won 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Free agency provides an extremely useful opportunity for finding depth for your team and bringing in reasonably priced veterans to perform specific roles.

One of many mistakes that Ray Farmer made as general manager was failing to bring in quality depth on the interior defensive line, forcing the coaching staff to rely on rookie Danny Shelton to shoulder the burden. Shelton struggled and so did the Browns defense, especially against the run as the team finished 30th in the league against the run.

At age 30, defensive tackle Steve McLendon will be looking for a good contract, but a good contract for a true nose tackle is not going to be very expensive. The Steelers were fifth in the NFL in rush yards allowed per game in 2015 with 91.2, and although that total can be partly attributed to how awful the Steelers secondary was, opposing running backs had an average of 2.31 yards per carry when McLendon was on the field.

The Browns have struggled to contain the run since they returned in 1999. Adding McLendon would give them a stout presence, as well as creating a hole in Pittsburgh’s defensive line.

Next: Kicker Justin Tucker

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