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Free agents from the NFC the Cleveland Browns should consider targeting

By Dan Justik

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Anthony Harris #41 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 05: Anthony Harris #41 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 05, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 08: Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions on the field between plays in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 08: Tavon Wilson #32 of the Detroit Lions on the field between plays in the first quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears: Nick Kwiatkoski, Linebacker

With Cleveland’s hole at linebacker, they are going to need to survey their options in free agency. They may not have to look too long, as Nick Kwiatkoski could become a solid presence in the middle of the defense.

The 26-year-old played in all 16 games for the Bears last season, including in eight starts, making 76 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and four passes defensed.

Kwiatkoski proved to be a solid all-around linebacker for the Bears. He may not be a star in the making, but he is the type of piece who can help solidify a defense. If the Browns don’t want to pay top money for a linebacker, Kwiatkoski may emerge as the perfect to become one of Cleveland’s starting linebacker.

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Detroit Lions: Tavon Wilson, Safety

Similar to the linebacker group, the Browns do not have much depth at safety. Cleveland needs to find help at both strong safety and free safety, and will likely look to free agency to address their need.

Tavon Wilson isn’t being talked about as one of the top safeties available, but he could be a perfect fit for a team needing a versatile safety. Wilson excels as an extra defender in the box and making plays against the run, but he can also play as a deep safety and cover tight ends and the slot.

In 16 games, including 13 starts last season, Wilson made 98 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, and five passes defensed. He may not be a top safety option, but he would be a versatile presence for the Browns and would not be as expensive as the other safeties on the market.

Green Bay Packers: Bryan Bulaga, Right Tackle

Although the Browns will want to protect Mayfield’s blindside at left tackle, they also need to improve at right tackle. Among the available options at tackle, Bryan Bulaga is one of the most proven right tackles available.

Starting every game of the season, Bulaga allowed only 26 total pressures, four sacks, and was called for only six penalties. Although he is 31-years-old, Bulaga is still playing at a high level and would instantly improve Cleveland’s offensive line.

Minnesota Vikings: Anthony Harris, Safety

The player who has been most connected to the Browns this offseason is Anthony Harris. He plays a position of need, played the position at a high level, and has familiarity with the coaching staff.

Harris was a play-maker for the Minnesota defense and made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. The 28-year-old can fly all around the field and make plays against the pass. However, he also emerged as a solid tackler.

Harris played in 14 games in 2019, making 60 total tackles, one tackle for loss, a league-leading six interceptions, and 11 passes defensed. He may need to be paid like a top safety, but his play-making ability may be just what the Browns defense needs.

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