Cleveland Browns: 2016 free agency guide

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Next is a list of players the Browns should pursue in free agency. This list is a realistic board of players the Browns should sign to improve their roster.

Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) hits New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Olivier Vernon, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins pulled the transition tag off Olivier Vernon, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Vernon will have a very big interest on the market as a young pass rushing talent that has produced heavily in his first four seasons in the league. He is coming off a 7.5 sack season in which he was named to the Pro Football Focus All-Pro team. Vernon has recorded 29 sacks in his four years and has yet to enter his prime. Vernon’s best season came in 2013 where he recorded 11.5 sacks.

Vernon is a complete defensive end that will generate a pass rush and be a top defensive end for the foreseeable future. Yahoo’s Charles Robinson has reported the Browns are one of several teams preparing to make a run at Vernon.

Estimated yearly salary: $12.7- 15 million

Oct 18, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jaye Howard (96) lines up against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaye Howard, Defensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs

If the Browns fail to land Vernon or any other top defenders, 27-year-old Jaye Howard would serve them well. Howard is expected to receive a huge payday, but might come slightly cheaper than some of the other top defenders on the market. The Chiefs have at least four key defensive players to hit the free agent market and it is unlikely that they will be able to resign them all.

Last season, Howard recorded 5.5 sacks and 31 quarterback hurries. After being cut following his rookie season by the Seattle Seahawks, Howard has grown into a productive defender in Kansas City. At 302 pounds, Howard is not your ideal defensive end, as he plays mostly at the one or three technique and is considered to be more of a pass rushing defensive tackle. Howard would be a productive player for the Browns depending on what system defensive coordinator Ray Horton is going to implement.

Jan 3, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Ryan Jensen (66) scrums with Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. The bengals won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Jones, Cornerback, Cincinnati Bengals

The veteran corner has been linked to the Browns through the strong connection with Hue Jackson. Jones appeared on SportsCenter this week and called Jackson a “father figure” to him. The Browns have expressed interest in the 32-year-old corner to bolster a defensive back group that struggled to find success in 2015.

Despite his age, Jones is coming off his best season in which he was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl. Jones totaled 63 tackles and three interceptions this past season. Jones is a starting caliber player who would solidify a defensive back group that features Joe Haden and fellow veteran Tramon Williams.

Estimated yearly salary: $3-6 million

Next: Offensive players the Browns should target

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