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Cleveland Browns free agency update: Next targets after landing Austin Hooper

By Greg Newland

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 12: Halapoulivaati Vaitai #72 and Jason Peters #71 of the Philadelphia Eagles talk to each other during Eagles minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on June 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 12: Halapoulivaati Vaitai #72 and Jason Peters #71 of the Philadelphia Eagles talk to each other during Eagles minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on June 12, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 02: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 02: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts in the second quarter against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Everson Griffen – Defensive End, Minnesota Vikings

Browns fans continue to wait for the news to break on the cut of Olivier Vernon, while it hasn’t happened yet, it feels inevitable. The move would free up over $15 million in cap space, but also open demand for a pass rusher like Everson Griffen. The former USC standout will be 33 at the end of this year but still appears to have some gas in the tank after registering eight sacks in 2019 and earning a pro-bowl invitation.

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Griffen would be another short-term fix for the Browns but could also provide leadership which the Browns will be in desperate need of after leaders Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert exit the building. Griffen would not come cheap as almost evert team is hungry for a pass-rusher, but it would likely be less than what Vernon would cost. Griffen has been durable playing 15-plus games in 5 of the last six years as a starter.

Halapoulivaati Vaitai – Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles

One under the radar name that Cleveland has been rumored to is Halapoulivaati Vaitai.  Vaitai was a fifth-round pick by the Eagles in 2016 and has always been the sixth man, filling in often for injuries at guard and tackle for the Eagles.

While Vaitai has played in 16 games three straight years, he has only started a total of 14 games which is alarming. Vaitai could be a fit as a swingman if the Browns are able to find a clean way to cut Hubbard and still sign a big-name free agent.  However, it is unlikely to think Vaitai can come to Cleveland and hold down the starting tackle job.  I would be less than excited to see this move by the Browns.

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