Cleveland Browns: 3 second-wave free agent targets

1. Eric Berry, Safety

Ever since the Browns made their trade for Odell Beckham, Jr. there’s been speculation about what will come next — and the safety position has been front and center in those discussions. This is due to the team sending starting strong safety Jabrill Peppers to the New York Giants in that deal.

Peppers, a former first-round pick out of Michigan, had developed into an enforcer on the back end of the defense. In his second season, he finished with 79 tackles, a sack, and an interception. He was also seen laying out opponents with some highlight-reel hits. It’s safe to say Peppers won’t be easy to replace, even if his time in the Dawg Pound started out rocky.

One in-house option to replace him is Derrick Kindred, who started 10 games in 2017 for the Browns. Kindred was on the field a lot for Cleveland this past season as well, despite not starting, and notched 45 tackled and a pick on the year.

While they could do worse than Kindred, there could be better options as well — such as Eric Berry. The former All-Pro safety was already linked to Cleveland and is well-known by John Dorsey as the two were in Kansas City together.

Berry has recently started his free-agent tour and it’s unknown how long it will take him to decide on his new home, but the Browns should get in on the sweepstakes.

There are some concerns as injuries have limited Berry in recent seasons, but the potential reward is well worth the risk that comes with signing him.