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Cleveland Browns defensive back room feeling empty right now

By Greg Newland

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Cornerback Greedy Williams #26 celebrates with cornerback Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns after a play during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Cornerback Greedy Williams #26 celebrates with cornerback Denzel Ward #21 of the Cleveland Browns after a play during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 24: Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos tackles Robert Foster #16 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL game at New Era Field on November 24, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 24: Justin Simmons #31 of the Denver Broncos tackles Robert Foster #16 of the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter of an NFL game at New Era Field on November 24, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – Free Safety

The first-round pick Ha Ha Clinton-Dix never quite lived up to the hype with the Green Bay Packers, and after just over four solid, but not great years, he was traded to the Washington Redskins.

Then Clinton-Dix bet on himself and signed a one year $5.5 million “prove it” deal with the Chicago Bears. While that is a bold strategy, it certainly worked out for Clinton-Dix, as he looks to receive a lucrative deal in free agency after recording 78 tackles, two interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 2019. Clinton-Dix worries me as he only shined for one year, but given the Browns situation, he appears to be worth the risk.

Justin Simmons – Free Safety

Justin Simmons, the 2016 third-round pick from Boston College, quickly earned a starting role as a rookie for the Denver Broncos. After facing injury concerns his rookie year, Simmons has started 16 games two years in a row, with 136 tackles and 7 interceptions during the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Simmons was elected as a second-team All-Pro in 2019 and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2020. If a deal is not agreed to, the Broncos will have the option to franchise tag Simmons, which could make a deal harder to conclude for the Browns. Let’s hope Simmons’ relationship with Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods can leverage the situation. Simmons is my favorite free agent option, but I don’t think the Broncos will be willing to let him walk.

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