Cleveland Browns: Five biggest 2021 free agent impact additions

The five biggest free agent impacts on the market for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns likely won’t spend as much money in free agency as they did in 2020, but they will surely take advantage of the immense amount of talent on the market. Here are the five free agents who would make the biggest impact for Cleveland this upcoming season.

5. FS Marcus Williams

Marcus Williams will always be the player that missed the tackle on Stefon Diggs in the Minnesota Miracle playoff game, but that one play should not define him. He’s an excellent defensive back, providing strong run support and great deep coverage.

Defensive coordinator Joe Woods did not have a safety that he felt comfortable leaving back deep at the angle position, and that issue (along with a plethora of others) led to the Browns giving up a lot of pass yardage in the 10-20-yard range of the field.

Williams would solve that problem. Without a deathly fear of being beaten over the top, Woods would be free to play tighter coverage closer to the line of scrimmage, taking advantage of his cornerbacks’ skillset. The presence of Williams would also allow Grant Delpit to be moved around as a chess piece, assuming he comes back strong from his torn Achilles.

Cleveland is moving towards a base dime defense, and that means the Browns need multiple starting-caliber safeties. Investing in the position is a good idea, and Williams is a young (he won’t turn 25 until September) and ascending player who can anchor a modern secondary.