4 under the radar players that could be a fit for the Cleveland Browns

After years of leading the league in cap space, the Cleveland Browns will have to be much more disciplined in free agent spending for the 2021 season. While they have money to spend, it’s important they get the most bang for their buck with extensions for Baker Mayfield and Denzel Ward looming.

I don’t think many disagree that the biggest needs for the Browns in 2021 is cornerback, linebacker, edge rusher, and a wide receiver who can win in man to man coverage. There are a few other areas like defensive tackle and safety that could possibly use some depth, but those will likely be handled in the draft.

While it’s fun to sign the highest free-agent prospect at each position, a strategic fit and signing below market value is the best recipe for success. General manager Andrew Berry showed he was more than capable of this last year, and I expect it to continue once again this offseason. Here are four players that may not be the “best available” but would be a great fit for the Cleveland Browns in 2021.

4. Keelan Cole – Wide Receiver

A name to watch that may be a perfect fit in Cleveland is Jacksonville’s Keelan Cole who will become a free agent in 2021. The Jaguars may want to try and hold on to him, but with so much draft equity and cap space, there is a very good chance they look to move on and upgrade at the slot receiver position.

Cole was an undrafted signing by the Jaguars in 2017, where he broke out as a rookie with 748 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. 2018 and 2019 weren’t as hot of years for Cole, but he bounced back in 2020 with 55 catches, 642 yards, and five touchdowns in an offense that just wasn’t very good. Cole would pair well with Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham as he is a threat over the top and underneath in man-to-man coverage because of his speed and quickness.

Not only is Cole the perfect fit, but his stock also isn’t that high after a huge rookie campaign. The Browns could look to sign him in the $4-6 million per year range and he could be an instant weapon for Mayfield.

Rashard Higgins has been a great asset for the Browns and fans love him, but unfortunately, he is a zone coverage receiver just like Landry. The Browns must find someone to win in tight coverage as we saw the Kansas City Chiefs swallow up our receivers this year in the playoff loss.