3 Overlooked free agents the Cleveland Browns can still add
By Randy Gurzi
2. Benson Mayowa, EDGE
When the Oakland Raiders traded Khalil Mack away in 2018, they had no idea where their pass rush was going to come from. Then in 2019, they believed they had it figured out as they drafted Clelin Ferrell fourth overall out of Clemson.
That’s not what ended up happening though as Ferrell had just 4.5 sacks as a rookie. Instead, it was Maxx Crosby with 10 sacks leading the team and behind him was veteran journeyman Benson Mayowa with seven.
It was the second stint with the Raiders for Mayowa, who added him in 2014 after he spent a season with the Seattle Seahawks. He was then signed by the Dallas Cowboys as a restricted free agent — Oakland declined to match the offer Dallas made.
Mayowa surprised in Big D, recording six sacks after having just two for his career before that. He fell off the following season and was released in 2018. After a year in Arizona, he made his way back to the Raiders and had his career-year as a rotational edge rusher.
He would serve in a similar role with the Browns should they be interested, and they can surely use someone who is capable of generating pressure off the bench. Right now, Mayowa is generating little interest but Cleveland would be wise to give him a call.