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Cleveland Browns: 10 players to look at in free agency

By Thomas Moore

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) breaks the tackle of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) breaks the tackle of Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Tom Johnson (92) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) in the second half in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) is sacked by Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) in the second half in the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman is entering free agency after his best year in four seasons in the NFL.

According to Pro Football Focus, Freeman had the third-highest run-stop percentage among inside linebackers and was among the top five in tackling efficiency, two areas where the Browns continually struggled on defense. And despite missing seven games combined over the past two seasons, Freeman has been the Colts second-leading tackler.

In four seasons with the Colts, Freeman has recorded 478 tackles and 12 sacks to go along with four interceptions and eight forced fumbles.

So what’s not to like?

The biggest concern is that Freeman will be 30 when the 2016 season starts and as a first-time free agent will be looking for a big payday.

“I’ve been a free agent for most of my life, but it’s different now because I’m kind of in control of everything,” Freeman told colts.com. “Coming out of college (2007) I was a free agent, getting cut twice, going to Canada, coming back here as a free agent. Now, this is different. I played out the whole contract, got the tender (last year) and now I’m just free. I don’t know if it’s scary. It’s just different.”

While the Browns need to get better on defense, they also need to get younger. And paying big money to a player that may have already peaked is always a risky proposition.

But Freeman would help fill some much-needed holes on the defense, which means the Browns should be getting in touch with him once free agency beings on March 9.

Next: Defensive end Robert Ayers

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