As free agency looms, Browns linked to several players

The Cleveland Browns have $105 million in available cap space, and with free agency starting on Thursday they continue to be linked to several players.

As free agency beckons on Thursday afternoon, rumors are starting to swirl linking the Cleveland Browns to soon-to-be free agents.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in a Tweet that the Browns will be “very interested” in fullback Kyle Juszczyk of the Baltimore Ravens, in part because he played at Harvard.

Juszczyk is coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance – which hopefully is the real reason why the Browns may be interested – after posting 37 receptions for 266 yards. He only carried the ball five times, scoring one touchdown, but can be a valuable player in the right offense.

According to baltimoreravens.com:

"Juszczyk’s ability in the passing game makes it difficult to determine exactly what his market value will be. Another team could try to lure him out of Baltimore with more money and the pitch that they’ll get him highly involved as a receiving threat. Juszczyk can line up in the backfield, split wide or at tight end, and that versatility is a valuable trait. Juszczyk is well aware that fullbacks have limited opportunities to maximize their earnings with a big contract, so he’ll want to take advantage of what the market brings him this offseason."

A year after seeing safety Tashaun Gipson sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Browns may return the favor by looking to bring safety Johnathan Cyprien from Jacksonville or Arizona Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson, according to a Tweet from NFL Draft Bites:

According to First Coast News, the interest between the Browns and Cyprien could hinge on Cyprien’s relationship with DeWayne Walker, the former Jacksonville defensive backs coach who is now on defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ staff:

"Cyprien had a career year with the Jaguars last season after being moved into the tackle box for the team’s single-high safety scheme. The former second round pick produced 127 tackles, a sack, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 16 starts. Cyprien has produced at least 104 tackles in all four of his seasons with the Jaguars. Making the move to Cleveland would make sense for Cyprien, as his former defensive backs coach DeWayne Walker was hired by the Browns this offseason."

Jefferson has been with the Cardinals since signing with team as an undrafted free agent in 2013 and is an important component for one of the league’s top defenses. He reportedly wants to stay with the Cardinals – and the team wants to keep him – but Arizona’s salary cap situation may prove difficult to make that a reality.

According to arizonasports.com:

"Just 25 years old and coming off a career season in which he notched 92 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five passes defensed, Jefferson will have no shortage of suitors. What makes Jefferson anxious is the uncertainty surrounding his situation, though he admitted there is also some excitement given that no matter where he lands, a healthy contract is likely to come with him."

While safety is a position in dire need of an upgrade, it is a bit difficult to see Cleveland signing any player to a deal that would be termed as “eye popping,” so on the surface Cyprien sounds more realistic than Jefferson.

Juszczyk could be a nice addition to the backfield and passing game, and the allure of hurting a team within the AFC North Division is always nice.

Next: Browns: 5 free agents to consider

The Browns have the cap space to pretty much do whatever they want when free agency opens on Thursday at 4 p.m.

What they actually do remains to be seen.