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Free agents from NFC North the Cleveland Browns should target

By Dan Justik

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 15: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 15, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 15: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates in the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 15, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins is sacked with the ball by Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 16: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins is sacked with the ball by Anthony Barr #55 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Minnesota Vikings – Linebacker Anthony Barr

If the Browns wanted to sign a player that still has plenty left in the tank to become a starting outside linebacker, then they will have that option in free agency. Matthews would be seen as a depth signing, but the Browns targeting Anthony Barr would be to make him an every down linebacker.

Barr has shown the potential of being one of the best 4-3 linebackers in the entire league. He is able to get downhill and make plays against the run. He has the athleticism to drop into coverage and break up passes. He also can be used as a blitzer or play on the edge to rush the quarterback.

In 2018, Barr made 55 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, four quarterback hits, and two passes defended in 13 games. The season prior, Barr had a career high 75 total tackles.

Although he had a down year in 2018, Barr still has the potential of being a dynamic linebacker. He will turn 27-years-old before the 2019 regular season, so he still has several good years ahead of him.

The Browns need a linebacker that is able to move with tight ends in coverage. Cleveland’s defense was decimated by tight ends last season, so they need another linebacker with Schobert that can run with the tight ends and make plays on the ball.

Barr is also better in an aggressive scheme that allows him to blitz and get in the backfield. Browns defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is not afraid to blitz his linebackers, so Barr could fit well in his defense.

Next. Free agents from the NFC West the Browns should target. dark

If the Browns want to replace Jamie Collins, then they could bring Barr in as an upgrade. Barr will be expensive, but it would make sense for the Browns to take a chunk out of their cap space to add Barr.

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