What the future may hold for every Cleveland Browns free agent

Damarious Randall, Safety (UFA)

The Browns acquired Damarious Randall in 2018, one of the first moves made by John Dorsey as Cleveland’s general manager. After struggling as a cornerback in Green Bay, the Browns moved Randall to safety, and the move certainly paid off for both the Browns and Randall.

In 2018, Randall started in 15 games, making 85 total tackles, two tackles for loss, four interceptions and nine passes defensed. He was a playmaker as Cleveland’s free safety, making several plays on shots downfield. He was also one of the league’s most efficient tacklers.

Randall was looking to recreate his success in his contract year in 2019. Wanting to be paid like one of the league’s top safeties, Randall was playing with plenty of self-pressure. However, Randall did not have the contract year he was hoping for.

The 27-year-old played in 11 games, making 61 total tackles, three tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, and six passes defensed. He once again was one of the league’s most efficient tacklers.

The biggest issues for Randall did not come on the field, however. Randall missed games during the season due to hamstring and concussion, even though Randall felt like he could play. He was also clashing with the coaching staff, as were several other players, but he created big enough problems that the Browns traveled to their road Pittsburgh game with Randall still in Cleveland.

Randall is a solid safety when on the field, but he has been a headache off the field for both the Browns and Packers. If the coaching staff feels like they can handle Randall’s antics, he could return to Cleveland if he is still not looking for a big payday. The Browns need playmakers in the secondary and Randall has shown he can do that. Randall may be looking for a one-year deal to rebuild his value, and that is a deal the Browns should take a chance on if the coaching staff is comfortable with Randall’s personality.