4 Free agents the Cleveland Browns won’t land

1. J.J. Watt – Defensive End

I know that no one wants to hear this, but star defensive end J.J. Watt is also a very unlikely signing for the Cleveland Browns in 2021. While he meets all the criteria and would be a great addition to the roster, the Browns would have to overpay to entice him.

After being released recently by the Houston Texans, there is a belief that Watt would take a slightly below-market deal to win, but that will still be in the range of $16 million per year. For the Browns to land Watt they would likely have to be closer to $20 million per year just because they aren’t as close to winning as teams like the Packers and Bills who appear to be the likely favorites.

While Watt would be a great addition at the right price and a perfect pair with Myles Garrett, fans can’t be frustrated that Berry isn’t willing to overpay for him.

Watt likely has at least two more dominant seasons left in him, but remember, he has missed significant time in three of the last five seasons. The Browns can’t afford to tie up money with someone who isn’t on the field.

While it won’t be Watt, I do look for the Browns to make their biggest splash in free agency at the defensive end position, but on a guy who is in the $14-$16 million per year range and slightly younger.

Berry will also likely take an edge-rushing project in the 2021 draft as well to try and develop.