Daily Dawg Tags: Cleveland Browns target holes on defense
By Dan Justik
The Daily Dawg Tags brings you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know, including the Browns targeting the defensive side of the ball in free agency.
The Cleveland Browns were the story of the NFL during the first day of free agency on Monday after signing top free agents on the offensive side of the ball. However, the Browns were still left with several holes on the defensive side of the ball.
With needs on all three levels of the defense, the lack of movement from the Browns on the defensive side of the ball was surprising. It was not until Wednesday that the Browns were able to land their first defensive free agents.
Cleveland first came to terms with linebacker B.J. Goodson. They then followed up that move by coming to agreement with safety Karl Joseph. Both Goodson and Joseph are reportedly signing one-year deals.
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Today’s featured article takes a look at the two agreements from Wednesday and what it could mean for Cleveland’s defense.
Cleveland Browns News
"On Wednesday evening, they agreed to terms on one-year deals with Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph, the No. 14 overall pick in 2016 out of West Virginia, and Packers middle linebacker B.J. Goodson, originally a fourth-round pick of the Giants in 2016 out of Clemson."
The addition of Joseph was a big one for the Browns since they only had two safeties under contract. Goodson may not be a top-tier linebacker who will be a full-time starter, but he should become a solid rotational piece for Cleveland’s defense.
Get to know Cleveland’s new free agent additions
The Browns were busy during the first two days of free agency, signing three free agents and then trading for a fullback. Clay Goodwin breaks down each of the first four additions to Cleveland’s roster.
"Hooper’s 2019 team, Atlanta, was just as disappointing as the one he is joining. At the midway point, both the Browns and Falcons were 2-6.Yet, Hooper temporarily became as productive as any tight end in the NFL, as illustrated by comparative stats through eight 2019 games among Hooper and two big stars:"
Tight end may not have been the biggest need for the Browns this offseason, but the addition of Austin Hooper should pay off for the Browns. He has emerged as one of the top tight ends in the NFL and he should provide Baker Mayfield a reliable target in the short and intermediate part of the field.
Next. Browns free agency set Baker Mayfield up for success. dark
Is it Isaiah Simmons SZN for the Browns?
The Browns have holes at both safety and linebacker that were partially addressed on Wednesday. However, Casey Kinnamon believes Isaiah Simmons should be the target with Cleveland’s first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.