Free agents additions that will fix Cleveland Browns defense
By Nick Swanson
Maurice Hurst, Defensive Tackle – Las Vegas Raiders
Projected Contract: 3 yrs/$16,821,425 ($5,607,142/yr)
Yes Browns fans, you all know this guy. Maurice “Mo” Hurst had himself a game against Cleveland back in his first-ever meeting with the team in 2018. In that one game that he saw significant, 40% percent or more of defensive snaps, playing time, he recorded a sack, 4 total tackles, a pass breakup, and a forced fumble on 60 percent of the Raiders defensive snaps. At 6-2 and 291-pounds, Hurst is a stout body that clogs the middle of the line.
He’s surprisingly good as an interior pass rusher, he has recorded eight sacks over his three-year career and would help fill the void that will be left by Larry Ogunjobi. Luckily enough for the Browns, Hurst has improved every year and still has to prove that he’s a full-time starter on the interior. With that to prove, look out for Hurst to make the most of his payday.
Browns Projected Cap: $7,386,367
Solomon Thomas, Defensive End – San Francisco 49ers
Projected Contract: 3 yrs/$16,868,599 ($5,622,866/yr)
Solomon Thomas is one of those players that everyone had very high expectations for coming out of the draft that never panned out. I didn’t see what everyone saw in him heading into the 2017 Draft, but at this point in his career, he desperately needs a change of scenery. At only 25 years old, Thomas still has a ton of room for growth, which he can do alongside fellow top-three pick from the 2017 Draft, Myles Garrett.
His upside is still there and I do think he’ll be able to develop into a quality edge rusher with time. We could even see it much sooner than expected if Garrett and Hurst, in this hypothetical situation, are able to create more opportunities for him. Thomas is a real flyer and I think that’s exactly the kind of player that the Browns like, just look at Ronnie Harrison or Karl Joseph.
Next. 3 prospects Browns should avoid in Round 1. dark
He’s a cheap option in free agency but it also wouldn’t surprise me if the Browns elect to draft an edge rusher instead of potentially overpaying a guy.
Browns Final Projected Cap: $1,763,501