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4 free agent edge rushers the Cleveland Browns need to consider this offseason

By Greg Newland

CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 29: Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 29: Carl Lawson #58 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on during warmups before the game against the New York Giants at Paul Brown Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Shaquil Barrett:

One of the biggest names of this free-agency will be edge rusher, Shaquil Barrett, from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who only improved his stock in the Super Bowl last weekend. After an average first five years in the league with the Denver Broncos, Barrett Broke out in 2019 and led the NFL with 19.5 sacks. Barret also had 19 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, two pass deflections, and an interception in 2019.  That stat line is unbelievable.

Although the sack numbers were down in 2020, Barrett was still a force with 8 sacks and 11 tackles for loss with two forced fumbles. While Barrett will be a player the Buccaneers won’t want to lose, they will likely have to let some talent go with some serious cap concerns heading into 2021. They were all in on 2020 (which paid off), but that usually means tough decisions the next year with Lavonte David also a free agent on that defense.

The biggest concern with Barrett? How much will it take to get him? The Browns already have the second-highest-paid defensive end in the league in Garrett at $25 million, and Barret may very well end up going for over $20 million per year with the season he ended up having.

Barrett has been vocal he loves Tampa, but there just is no clear answer if that will be possible right now.  If the Bucs choose to extend Barrett and move on from their star linebacker David, look for him to potentially be a Brown’s target as well.

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