Cleveland Browns 2020 free agency preview: Pass or sign

Sign – Nick Kwiatkoski, Linebacker

The Browns must bring in an experienced linebacker to pair with Mack Wilson in 2020, but the big question is who? Nick Kwiatkoski, who played with the Chicago Bears in the last four seasons appears to be the perfect fit. Kwiatkoski has been sheltered from starts by the Bears the last fours year with Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith both stealing the show. However, in times of injures, Kwiatkoski has shined and proven he is ready to be a full-time starter in the league.

Kwiatkoski will likely demand $8-10 million per year as teams have recognized his work in the last few years. But with a similar build to Schobert and more power and athleticism, the Browns may be able to get an upgrade for a similar price with fewer miles. With the Bears recently extending Trevathan, Kwiatkoski looks likely to hit the market.

Pass – Bud Dupree, Edge Rusher

With many believing Olivier Vernon will still be cut, saving the Browns over $15 million of cap space, edge rusher will likely be a need for the Browns as well. Once Myles Garrett was suspended in 2019, there was an immediate downfall in the pass rush, which let the rest of the defense get picked on. Bud Dupree is a name Browns fans know all too well playing the last five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After making a name for himself in 2019 with 11.5 sacks, Dupree has become a hot name in the free agency market. My biggest issue for Dupree is scheme, as he is much more of a 3-4 outside linebacker than a 4-3 defensive end, and the transition would likely be too much. Dupree will also demand big dollars, leaving the Browns better off rolling with Vernon for one more year.

An offseason signing Harris, Conklin, and Kwiatkoski would have Browns fans going through the roof. However, with many teams interested and a cap conscious front office, getting two of these three stars would be a win. Stay tuned Browns fans as Andrew Berry starts to show what he’s got!