5 Blockbuster Free Agent signings Cleveland Browns must consider
By Ryan Murphy
The legal tampering period for NFL free agency opens on March 16, where teams can begin negotiating with players who hit the open market. The Cleveland Browns need to be active during this period.
The Cleveland Browns have plenty of holes to address on the roster, and the period to negotiate with free agents to fill those holes is right around the corner. Andrew Berry has stated the Browns will be aggressive during the time; however, he also stressed the importance of being smart at the same time.
Reports have come out suggesting that Joe Schobert‘s asking price was too high for the Browns liking, along with safety Damarious Randall not being extended. The Browns always do not seem to keen on defensive end Olivier Vernon being the highest payed player on the defense, due to make $15.5 million this season.
Those are three defenders the Browns will miss; however, free agency is looming.
How will the Browns attack free agency? Expect them to be aggressive in filling out the middle of the roster to bring competition at many positions. A new scheme, new coaches, and new front office means that many players currently on the roster are not a fit for this staff. The Browns will aggressively pursue options to make the middle of the roster a better match for them.
Do not expect many big name signings making their way to Cleveland. Whether it be too high of a price for Berry to meet or free agents being reluctant to join a first year general manager and head coach, the Browns are likely to be most aggressive in the middle of the roster than big name players.
However, the Browns need to explore signing some bigger names. Here are five they need to consider signing when the new league year opens.