Cleveland Browns: Reclamation projects to consider in free agency

Bashaud Breeland, Cornerback

The 2018 off-season was a wild couple of months for Bashaud Breeland. Breeland thought that he had cashed in a three-year, $24 million contract with the Carolina Panthers at the beginning of free agency. However, Carolina voided the contract after Breeland failed his physical.

After that situation, Breeland could not find his next home, even though he took several visits. He ended his search in late September, signing a one-year deal for less than $1 million with the Packers.

It was a surprise that Breeland could not land a better deal at some point. In the first four years of his career, Breeland intercepted eight passes and had 60 passes defended. He proved that he was a solid cover corner, but he still could not find a better deal than the Packers contract.

Breeland did not have the season that he was hoping he would have with the Packers. In seven games, Breeland made 20 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, and four passes defended. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 100th ranked cornerback in the NFL.

After struggling in Green Bay, Breeland could be forced to sign another one-year deal this off-season to rebuild his value. The Browns could look to add another cornerback because of their depth being tested at the position last season.

Breeland visited Cleveland during his preseason tour of teams, but left town without a deal. It is unknown whether it was the Browns or Breeland that did not have enough interest to sign a deal, but maybe they revisit a deal this off-season.

Breeland can be extremely effective as a nickel cornerback and could compete for the starting job opposite of Ward. If the Browns do not want to invest too much money into the position this off-season, Breeland could be a solid fit for Cleveland.

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