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Free agents Cleveland Browns should target in second-wave of free agency

By Dan Justik

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 11, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Rob Leiter/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 13: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings pumps up the crowd during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 38-20. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 13: Everson Griffen #97 of the Minnesota Vikings pumps up the crowd during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Eagles 38-20. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Everson Griffen – Defensive End

The Cleveland Browns made multiple moves in free agency to add to the defensive side of the ball. However, the one position they did not make any additions to is at defensive end, arguably the position that lacks depth the most.

It seems certain the Browns will add a defensive end at some point in free agency, and who would be a better short-term fit than Everson Griffen. Griffen may not have direct experience with Joe Woods and Jeff Howard, who primarily worked in the secondary during their time with Minnesota. However, both Woods and Howard, as well as Kevin Stefanski, know what Griffen can bring to a defense.

From 2014-2017, Griffen was one of the best defensive ends in all of football. During that stretch, Griffen compiled 43.5 sacks, 49 tackles for loss, and seven forced fumbles in 62 games. However, Griffen had a rough 2018 season on and off the field and was unable to repeat his performance.

Griffen was able to revitalize his career in 2019 and reestablish himself as a meaningful contributor. In 15 games last season, Griffen made 41 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, eight sacks, and 24 quarterback hits.

At 32-years-old, Griffen is no longer one of the top defensive ends in football. However, he has shown he can still be effective as a pass rusher. Utilized in a potential rotation with Olivier Vernon, Griffen could help Cleveland’s pass rush opposite of Myles Garrett.

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