Cleveland Browns still looking to improve at defensive end?

The Cleveland Browns appear to be still looking for help at defensive end.

Much of the talk surrounding the Cleveland Browns this offseason has been about Cleveland’s interest in star free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Beginning in late March, it became known the Browns had offered Clowney the best multi-year offer.

Cleveland having the best offer on the table for Clowney continued for most of the summer, even though Clowney was unwilling to make a decision. That was until the Browns made the decision for Clowney, practically withdrawing their offers when they renegotiated Olivier Vernon‘s contract.

After renegotiating Vernon’s deal and guaranteeing $11 million, as well as signing Adrian Clayborn, the Browns seemed to be comfortable with their group of defensive ends. However, that seemed to be the case until August 7.

One of the better defensive ends still remaining unsigned into August was Vinny Curry. However, Curry agreed to re-sign with the Philadelphia Eagles on August 7. But according to Geoff Mosher of InsideTheBirds.com, the Browns had the best offer on the table for Curry.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry is familiar with Curry after Berry spent the 2019 season in the Eagles front office. Despite their current group at defensive end, Berry must have believed Curry would build up the defensive end group and provide help to the defense.

Curry proved to be a reliable role player for the Eagles last season, making 27 total tackles, five tackles for loss, five sacks, and 12 quarterback hits after playing in all 16 games, including two starts.

Although the Browns have explored defensive ends this offseason, their discussions at the position may not mean they are actively looking at adding to the group. Cleveland’s two main negotiations at defensive end this offseason have involved one of the top defensive ends in the league (Clowney) and a player the general manager knows on and off the field (Curry).

With a top-three of Myles Garrett, Vernon and Clayborn at defensive end, the Browns are not desperate at the position. Garrett will likely play around 75-80 percent of Cleveland’s defensive snaps and Vernon and Clayborn will likely split time on the other edge. With Chad Thomas as the No. 4 defensive end on the depth chart, the Browns have the depth they need at the position.

There are still some solid free agent defensive end options who would help improve the Browns defense. However, if the Browns had wanted to pursue any of these options, they would have likely made the move before training camp started.

The Browns may have made the best offer for Curry, but it does not appear the Browns are still actively looking at adding to their defensive end group. At this point, the Browns will likely enter the season with their current group of defensive ends.