5 under the radar 2020 free agents Cleveland Browns should consider

Tre Boston – Free Safety

Originally drafted by the Carolina Panthers, Tre Boston has a little bit more experience than the linebackers above, but at 27-years-old, he is still in his prime. Boston was a fourth-round pick by the Panthers in 2014 where he played three seasons, starting 16 total games before being waived.

After being claimed in 2017 by the Los Angeles Chargers, Boston became a well-known starter in the league and has only missed two games in the last three years. Boston has had AT LEAST three interceptions and 68 tackles in the last three seasons, but he has become a bit of a journeyman. After a year with the Chargers, Boston spent a year each with the Arizona Cardinals and then returned to the Panthers on a one-year deal.

Boston is known for being a large ball-hawking safety, but also has concerns of inconsistency. After signing a $3 million per year deal last year, Boston will come at a huge discount compared to other top safeties available in free agency.

Jimmie Ward – Free Safety

Another name at safety to watch with ties to new defensive coordinator Joe Woods is Jimmie Ward, who was the jack-of-all-trades defender for the San Francisco 49ers the last few years. While Ward is must less proven than many of the free-agent options, Woods would have great insight on what Ward could bring to the team.

Ward comes with some risk as he had three straight years of broken bones before 2019. While Ward has experience at every position in the backfield, he finally found his home as a free safety in 2019 and it appears likely that is where he will want to remain. However, as Browns fans know, having a versatile guy who can shift to different positions is only an added benefit.

Ward would also likely come much cheaper than some of the “big name” free agents, but Joe Woods would have to be a positive factor.