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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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Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

While defensive coordinator Ray Horton‘s defenses have trouble keeping opponents out of the end zone, one thing they do well is get after opposing quarterbacks.

Dating back to 2014, when he was with the Denver Broncos, and continuing through his past two seasons with the New York Giants, defensive end Robert Ayers has been in or near the Top 10 in pass-rush productivity, according to Pro Football Focus.

Ayers has 19.5 sacks combined over the past three seasons and just posted his best season, according to Empire Writes Back:

"Ayers set career-highs across the board despite playing only 12 games, as he received more snaps. His 41 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four passes defended were all career-highs for the seventh year player. The 9.5 sacks led the Giants, as he also paced them in quarterback pressures with 48 according to Pro Football Focus. He recorded multiple pressures in every game that he played in as well, and had only one negative game grade this season also according to Pro Football Focus."

Much like Jerrell Freeman, age could be an issue when considering Ayers as he will turn 31 just prior to the start of the 2016 season.

But if the numbers look right, adding Ayers as a situational pass rusher may be something the Browns would consider to give Horton another weapon to unleash on defense.

Next: Center Manuel Ramirez

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