AFC West free agents the Cleveland Browns should consider targeting

Oakland Radiers – Defensive Lineman Clinton McDonald

As stated earlier, the Browns should focus on building depth along the defensive line. Whether it’s on the edge or the interior of the defensive line, the Cleveland defensive line needs more talent up and down the depth chart.

Much too often last season the Browns starting defensive linemen were ineffective late in games because of fatigue. At the beginning of the season, Garrett was playing almost every defensive snap.

If the Browns want to find a cheap option that has the versatility to play at defensive end and defensive tackle, then they should consider Clinton McDonald. McDonald played in a reserve role for the Raiders last season, starting in one game.

McDonald made a combined 31 total tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and two quarterback hits. In 2017, McDonald showed his ability to be a pass rusher, sacking the quarterback five times in 14 games while also playing in a reserve role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Although he has never been a dominating presence during his career, he has shown the ability to be a reliable player when he’s in the game. For the Browns, they need to find players that can still make plays when they need to give a starter a few snaps off.

The 32-year-old’s versatility is an important factor considering the Browns did not have the necessary depth at either end or tackle to have rotations. Since McDonald can play both positions, the Browns could move him around the defensive line in case of an emergency during a game.