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Grading the Cleveland Browns first wave of free agency

By Greg Newland

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 29: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 26-24. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 07: Karl Joseph #42 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass late in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 26-24. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

B.J. Goodson, Linebacker: B-

A second day signing for Andrew Berry was former Green Bay Packer B.J. Goodson who signed a one-year undisclosed dollar amount deal. This is a position the Browns could have (and maybe should have) spend a bit more money on, but it appears they wanted to sign a veteran and possibly draft younger talent.

Goodson is known for being able to stop the run but has struggled in pass coverage previously. That will pair well with Mack Wilson who is able to fly around the field and excels in pass coverage. With Goodson, Wilson and Sione Takitaki being the only solid options at linebacker, the Browns could look at another veteran to bring in. Also look for them to add more depth in the draft in the second or third round.

Karl Joseph, Safety: A-

On day two Berry finally started to piece together the secondary, signing strong safety Karl Joseph to a one-year $2.5 million deal including $500,000 in guarantees. Joseph, a former first-round pick from West Virginia is known for laying the boom and brings toughness to the defensive back room. Joseph had 41 starts with the Oakland Raiders and brings in much-needed experience.

Joseph has not lived up to first-round expectations with only four interceptions in four years with Oakland. Hopefully, Joe Woods will be able to bring out the first-round talent in him. This is another low-risk, one-year signing.

If Joseph plays well, they can look to re-sign, or the Browns can re-evaluate if Sheldrick Redwine will be ready to start in 2021. Browns fans were excited for Anthony Harris but given the high price, this is a great discounted backup option.

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