Cleveland Browns free agency update: Next targets after landing Austin Hooper
By Greg Newland
Xavier Rhodes – Cornerback, Minnesota Vikings
The 2013 first-round pick has been an excellent corner for the Vikings the last seven seasons, earning three pro-bowls and one all-pro season.
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While the Browns don’t need to spend big dollars on a corner with Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams, the question is would Rhodes be ready to make the switch to safety? Many corners have made the switch at the back end of their prime to extend their career, but someone as dominant as Rhodes may struggle with that change.
Rhodes might be an unlikely fit, especially if he demands his previous salary of over $10 million per year. Rhodes has started 14-plus games in six straight years but played injured in many of those games. Look for Rhodes to sign a two-year discounted deal with a contender, unfortunately not the Browns.
Linval Joseph – Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings
The 31-year-old big man would only be a short-term fix, but Linval Joseph may be exactly what Cleveland needs. Larry Ogunjobi has asserted himself as a dominant pass-rusher from the inside but has struggled on running downs and keeping linebackers free. Joseph could add depth with Sheldon Richardson and Ogunjobi in 2020 and significantly help the run defense plugging up the middle.
Joseph made over $8 million in 2019, but likely won’t receive anything close to that this year in the open market. If the Browns could sign Joseph to a low dollar short term deal for 25-30 snaps a game, Joseph could be a game-changer for the Browns defensive front.