Cleveland Browns biggest needs and potential free agents to target

Edge

The Cleveland Browns have a solid pair of starters in Garrett and Ogbah. However, they need to find a solid edge rusher or two in order to have an efficient unit for an entire game. By the end of games, Garrett’s not as effective due to the amount of snaps he plays.

The Browns have a solid rotation at left end with Ogbah and Avery. The Browns will kick Ogbah inside and put Avery on the edge during passing situations. The Browns attempted to use Anthony Zettel in spot-duty for Garrett, but it was not as effective as Ogbah and Avery. And there are a solid group of rotational edge rushers available in free agency.

Shaquil Barrett

Shaquil Barrett is likely on his way out of Denver, and he is an extremely effective pass rusher. The Browns reportedly had interest in Barrett at the trade deadline and they will likely take a long look at adding him through free agency.

In 2018, Barrett played a limited amount of snaps in 13 games, compiling 28 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and seven quarterback hits. Barrett is also solid against the run.

At 26-years-old, Barrett may get a lot of looks from teams during free agency. But for what the Browns need, he would be a perfect fit as a rotational edge rusher that can be effective in both facets of the game.

Cameron Wake

Cameron Wake is not going to be in the NFL much longer, as the 37-year-old is at the end of his career. However, Wake has said that he does not plan on retiring, and he is still performing at a high level.

In 2018, Wake played and started in 14 games, making 36 total tackles, five tackles for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble, and 17 quarterback hits.

Wake has said that he wants to return to Miami. but he may also want to look at a team that has the potential of getting to the playoffs. Wake is not just a pass rusher, as he is also a run stuffer on the edge. He may be a better fit as a rotational player at this point in his career, and the Browns could use him as a regular sub for Garrett, which would create a minimal drop off at the position.

Aaron Lynch

Aaron Lynch has turned his career around with the Chicago Bears this season. So much so that he might be receive a starting job this off-season. Although he is better against the run, he can still be an effective pass rusher.

Lynch has played in 13 games this season, making 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight quarterback hits. He also intercepted one pass. Lynch was used on a rotational basis with the Bears, and he was extremely effective in that role. The Browns could use him on early downs against the run to give Garrett a breather, and then let Garrett return on third down.

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