Cleveland Browns: 3 Remaining free agents with ties to team

1. Everson Griffen, Defensive End

As mentioned when talking about Adam Gotsis, the Browns defensive line is solid right now, so there’s really not any desperation for them to try and add more talent. However, that hasn’t stopped them from kicking the tires on Jadeveon Clowney, who has reportedly been offered a one-year $15 million deal to play in Cleveland.

There’s no clear plan as to what the team would do if they signed Clowney. He clearly would be a starter opposite Myles Garrett, but then what happens with Olivier Vernon? Do they roll with the team they have and let him be a high-priced reserve, or do they make a move?

Of course, this doesn’t seem to be an issue to get too concerned with since Clowney seems uninterested in coming to Cleveland. But there’s still another player, with ties to the staff, they could consider if they are looking to make a move at defensive end.

Everson Griffen spent the past 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, and Kevin Stefanski was on their staff that entire team. While Stefanski coached offense, he still got to see up close and personal the kind of competitor Griffen is. And Griffen has seen Stefanski in action as a coach.

That could help should Cleveland want to bring in the veteran, who is coming off his fourth career Pro Bowl after recording 41 tackles and eight sacks.

Unlike Clowney, Griffen is nearing the end of his career as he’s already 32-years old. That isn’t a major concern though when the idea is to throw out a one year contract, meaning Griffen could make more sense than Clowney for this team.