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3 things the Cleveland Browns must accomplish this July

By Greg Newland

WESTFIELD, INDIANA - AUGUST 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the joint practice between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park on August 15, 2019 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WESTFIELD, INDIANA - AUGUST 15: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during the joint practice between the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts at Grand Park on August 15, 2019 in Westfield, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Sign Jadeveon Clowney

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks battles through the block of offensive lineman Justin Murray #71 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks battles through the block of offensive lineman Justin Murray #71 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL football game at State Farm Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images) /

Perhaps the biggest weakness of the Browns next season will be the linebacking core. Mack Wilson showed a lot of promise last season, but after him the depth is thin. With limited free agency options at that position, the best way to protect your linebackers is putting a tremendous defensive line in front of them. A strong defensive line can cover up offensive linemen and allow the linebackers to roam free, which allows them to see the play develop better and react faster.

The biggest star available (by far) in free agency is defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who appears content waiting until mid-to-late July to sign with a suitor. Clowney started this offseason demanding $20 million per season, but it appears his market value and demands are now much less.

The Browns have already made the most aggressive offer in the league of a reported one-year, $15 million deal to Clowney, but thus far he has opted to wait. Clowney may not be excited about Cleveland, but he also may have wanted to avoid a virtual offseason, which adds less value for a veteran player like himself. Especially a player whose main job is to sack the quarterback.

Clowney to the Browns would be a win/win for both sides. Clowney will get his one year “prove it” deal (while still making a lot of money), and the Browns get another star for 2020, a year before having to decide on signing Mayfield to a long-term deal. With Myles Garrett on the other side of the line, Clowney would be set up for a huge year and earn the payday he wants in the 2021 offseason.

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