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Predicting the Cleveland Browns biggest moves in 2019 NFL Free Agency

By Randy Gurzi

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 13: Cornerback Steven Nelson #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 13: Cornerback Steven Nelson #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs intercepts a pass intended for wide receiver Tyrell Williams #16 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 13, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Timmy Jernigan #93 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates the play against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Timmy Jernigan #93 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates the play against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Timmy Jernigan or Bennie Logan join the D-Line

The season ended in rather ugly fashion for the Browns as the Baltimore Ravens were able to run all over them in Week 17. Running backs Kenneth Dixon and Gus Edwards had their way with the Cleveland defense on the ground, as did quarterback Lamar Jackson. In all, Baltimore rushed for 296 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-24 loss. That ended the Browns shot at a winning season as it pushed them down to 7-8-1, but it also highlighted the issues they had with stopping the run.

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In an effort to shore up that problem, the front office needs to make adding a big defensive tackle a priority. Chances are this could happen at No. 17 considering the depth in this incoming rookie class but expecting things to fall their way on draft night isn’t a smart plan. Instead, they should be proactive and add a player on a short contract who could start should they not land a premium player in the draft.

Two options for that role are Timmy Jernigan and Bennie Logan. Jernigan is a player the Browns are familiar with as he was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He spent the next three seasons there and recorded 93 tackles and 13 sacks before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017. There, Jernigan won a Super Bowl as he started 15 games for a very talented defensive line.

He won’t return as the Eagles declined an option in his contract. Coming off a back injury that limited him to three games in 2018 could make Jernigan more affordable than expected. He could make sense as a player to bring in on a one-year deal for him to prove he’s healthy.

Another player who could start and come in on a short contract is Bennie Logan. Also a former Eagle, Logan was signed by the Chiefs in 2017 to a one-year deal before joining the Tennessee Titans in 2018 on another one-year contract. He had a rough season with the Titans but is still a strong run defender and could also be looking for a one-year prove it deal. This prediction is that the Browns will land one of these two players as they beef up their defensive line.

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