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AFC West free agents the Cleveland Browns should consider targeting

By Dan Justik

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 09: Wide receiver Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers makes a pass play in front of outside linebacker Nick Vigil #59 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at StubHub Center on December 9, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 09: Wide receiver Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers makes a pass play in front of outside linebacker Nick Vigil #59 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth quarter at StubHub Center on December 9, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks downfield as he is pressured by outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks downfield as he is pressured by outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett #48 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos – EDGE Shaquil Barrett

The Browns need to build depth on the defensive line and find more players that can get after the quarterback this off-season. Dorsey has always believed in building a strong defensive line, and the assumption is he will focus on the group this off-season.

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If the Browns want to find another young edge player to combine with Myles Garrett, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Genard Avery, they will have options in free agency. One of those options will be Shaquil Barrett.

The 26-year-old was buried behind Von Miller and Bradley Chubb on Denver’s depth chart last season, creating a minimal role for him. In 13 games, Barrett made 28 total tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and seven quarterback hits.

Although he would likely be forced to play in another rotation if he signed with the Browns, he would have more opportunities than he did in Denver. Especially if Cleveland feels he can make more of an impact opposite of Garrett than Ogbah can.

There is a lot of edge talent in the free agent class this off-season, making Barrett’s status uncertain. He may be valued by other teams and receive a good contract offer. But e could also be considered a second or third tier free agent that teams are only going to offer a smaller contract.

Either way, it would make sense for the Browns to pursue Barrett if they feel he can handle the workload as a 4-3 defensive end. If they believe he can, then signing him would provide the defensive line with a solid unit of young pass rushers.

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