Cleveland Browns biggest needs and potential free agents to target
By Dan Justik
Linebacker
The Cleveland Browns had major problems with letting tight ends make plays all over the field. Besides Joe Schobert, Cleveland does not have a linebacker that is strong in coverage. When healthy, Christian Kirksey has never been great in coverage. His replacement, Avery, is better suited playing on the edge as a rusher than putting him in coverage. And Jamie Collins can be a play-maker in coverage, but his effort is always in question.
The Browns need to upgrade at linebacker, either at WILL or SAM. Both Collins and Kirksey have their limitations, and it has hurt the Browns defense overall. With the Browns inability to cover tight ends and struggles against the run, they can find a replacement in a talented linebacker class than can do it all.
Anthony Barr
Anthony Barr has experience playing all three linebacker positions, and can also rush the passer at an efficient rate. He entered the season as one of the best outside linebackers in the league, but did not have a year up to his standards.
In 13 games in 2018, Barr made a combined 55 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, and four quarterback hits. It was a down year for Barr, but he has shown the potential of being one of the best linebackers in the league.
Barr is incredibly athletic, which allows him to cover well in space. He does everything equally well, and has the capability to be a leader for a defense. Barr will be an expensive free agent, but he could cure most of the Browns problems at the second level.
K.J. Wright
K.J. Wright has been one of the most underrated linebackers in football for his entire career. Wright has been surrounded with multiple talented defensive players, including playing next to Bobby Wagner. Most of those defensive players in Seattle have left, and Wright is likely to be the next.
Wright dealt with injuries in 2018, forcing him to play in only five games. Wright made 23 total tackles and two tackles for loss. However, Wright only missed one game in the four previous seasons, and he averaged 119.5 combined tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.75 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 3.5 quarterback hits. He also intercepted one pass in that time span.
Wright has played incredibly well in every facet of the game, and his experience in coverage would pay huge dividends for the Browns. Although he is 29-years-old, Wright would be a perfect fit for what the Browns need at linebacker.
Cory Littleton
Cory Littleton had a breakout season for the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, and he was named to his first Pro Bowl. The 25-year-old has played exceptionally well in pass coverage, but has had problems against the run.
Littleton started all 16 games for the Rams this season, making a combined 125 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, and four quarterback hits. He also intercepted three passes, including returning one for a touchdown, and 13 passes defended.
It will be no question that the Rams are going to want to bring Littleton back in the off-season. He will be a restricted free agent, so they would have the ability to match any offer on Littleton if he reaches the open market. However, the Rams are going to have to be cap-conscious, and a big offer for Littleton will make it hard for the Rams to match. But Littleton’s ability in coverage is something that the Browns should desire.