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Five AAF players the Cleveland Browns should consider signing

By Dan Justik

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Damontre Moore #98 of the New York Giants reacts against the Minnesota Vikings during a game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Damontre Moore #98 of the New York Giants reacts against the Minnesota Vikings during a game at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 20: Derron Smith #31 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to tackle Percy Harvin #11 of the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Buffalo defeated Cincinnati 16-12. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 20: Derron Smith #31 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts to tackle Percy Harvin #11 of the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Buffalo defeated Cincinnati 16-12. (Photo by John Grieshop/Getty Images) /

Derron Smith, Safety

One of the biggest holes left on the Browns roster is at safety. After trading Jabrill Peppers and releasing Derrick Kindred, Cleveland does not have much depth on the backend of their defense. At the safety position, the Browns currently have Damarious Randall, Eric Murray and Jermaine Whitehead.

Whether it be in free agency or in the draft, the Browns need to find another safety or two to have the necessary depth needed at the position. If they want a cheap option who proved to be valuable in the AAF, they should take a look at Derron Smith.

Smith played eight games for the San Antonio Commanders and made 37 total tackles, only three missed tackles, three interceptions and five pass breakups. He may not be a great defending the run, but he played well when in coverage.

Smith has played three seasons in the NFL, with his last game action being in 2017 for the Browns. He has played in 38 games in the NFL and has made seven total tackles and one pass defensed. Most of his time in the NFL was spent on special teams.

The 27-year-old’s time in the AAF potentially showed NFL teams that he has the ability to be a reliable player on defense instead of being just a special teamer.

In the case of the Browns, they would not be asking Smith to play the majority of the Browns’ defensive snaps, but they could feel more comfortable having him on the field if necessary after seeing his performance in the AAF.

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