Cleveland Browns: 3 free agency fits at most important positions

1. Carl Lawson – Defensive End

The best free-agent fit for the Cleveland Browns this offseason would be defensive end, Carl Lawson. His current team, the Bengals, will likely do everything possible to keep Lawson, but it appears there are some frustrations with the team and Lawson wants to join a winning franchise.

In the last four seasons, Lawson has far too often been the pawn of the Bengals defense, where he draws double teams and allows everyone else to get the sacks. In Cleveland, Lawson would be paired with Garrett and will see a ton of one-on-one blocking where he has a chance to dominate.

After just 5.5 sacks in 2020, Lawson would have a legitimate chance to double his output if he joined the Browns. Not only that, in his first big contract after his rookie year, he could set himself up for another huge payday with a big three or four years in Cleveland.

Lawson will likely be highly sought after being only 25 years old and showing that he can have serious production when given a chance. While the Browns won’t want to break the bank, being able to offer a courtship with Garrett could be the leverage they need to land the biggest missing piece of the team.

While there are other areas of need, things get easier for everyone when you have a strong pass-rush on every single snap.