5 under the radar 2020 free agents Cleveland Browns should consider
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns fans have been all over the flashy free agents for 2020, but there are a few under the radar guys who could play a huge role for the Browns in 2020.
With the latest news from the Cleveland Browns being that long-time inside linebacker Christian Kirksey has been cut, it appears the Browns may be bigger players in the free agency market than originally expected.
The Browns have a glaring need at both safety positions, as well as offensive tackle, linebacker and defensive end. Defensive line depth was a huge concern last year after the suspension of Myles Garrett, but it also seems highly likely Olivier Vernon will be the next man cut in Cleveland. After reports of letting Joe Schobert walk and cutting Kirksey, the $15.5 million owed to Vernon seems like an easy target.
The aging and injury-prone Vernon finally started to get his grove in brown and orange mid-season before he tweaked his knee late in a game against the Denver Broncos. After the injury, Vernon never looked comfortable in a bulky brace. Given some of the available free agents in 2020, Vernon will likely be another easy casualty for cap space.
While the Browns do have a large amount of cap space in 2020 (over $60 million), remember Garrett and Baker Mayfield extensions are looming. Side note, cap space will be closer to $80 million after the departure of Kirksey and assuming Vernon does get cut. However, the key to winning NFL games is not always who spends the most money on superstars like it can be in baseball. In most cases, the true MVP’s on a team are the guys getting paid at the mid-level tier and performing at a high-level tier.
The Browns could take a look at the big-name free agents like Cory Littleton, Jack Conklin, and Anthony Harris. However, here are some under the radar free agents who can perform at a high-level for the Browns.