Possible Cleveland Browns target, Nigel Bradham, becomes available

Possible Cleveland Browns target Nigel Bradham is on the market again

Even before Mack Wilson was injured, the Cleveland Browns lacked sufficient depth at the linebacker position. While Wilson took issue with the criticism the players were facing, the fact is, they were thin there.

That became an even bigger problem when Wilson hyperextended his knee and the Browns finally decided to make a move. With the majority of the big-name targets already gone, they opted to sign Malcolm Smith, a former Super Bowl MVP who has been quiet over the past couple of seasons.

Even without much success over the past few years, Smith was arguably the best fit for the Browns. But that might no longer be the case now that the New Orleans Saints made a surprise move and cut Nigel Bradham.

Signed roughly three weeks ago by New Orleans, Bradham was a player linked to Cleveland due to their need at the position. In addition to that, he has some familiarity with general manager Andrew Berry who was with the Philadelphia Eagles last season — where Bradham was playing.

Of course, Bradham — like Smith — is on the wrong side of 30, meaning a signing by the Browns wouldn’t be a long-term fix. Instead, it would be a bridge-solution to help Wilson heal up while also affording players such as Jacob Phillips and Sione Takitaki time to develop.

Originally a fourth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2012, Bradham has played in 115 career games with 619 career tackles. Last season at the age of 30, he recorded 61 tackles and an interception in 12 games played.

Cleveland didn’t show much interest before Bradham signed with New Orleans. But that could change now given Wilson’s injury status.