3 biggest needs for Cleveland Browns during 2021 free agency

1. Help for Myles Garrett

Not many would argue that Myles Garrett is a top-five defensive lineman in the NFL. Perhaps Joey Bosa and T.J. Watt are the only two guys in the league you may take over Garrett now. While having a weapon like Garrett is great, without a strong second option across the line from him, he isn’t being fully utilized.

Olivier Vernon was supposed to be that support role the last two seasons, and while he filled it nicely at times, he just wasn’t on the field enough to consider it a successful tandem. Because the Browns don’t have any other threats to rush the passer, Garrett is constantly double teams and chipped by a tight end and running backs that make it tougher for him to get the sacks.

Cleveland should be a spot pass rushers are extremely attracted to because of all the attention that Garrett receives. A young guy in the prime of his career could come to Cleveland and have 10 plus sacks in 2021 because of all the one-on-one opportunities.

I’ve heard names like Von Miller, Matt Judon, and Bud Dupree are all guys the Browns are interested in. While those are all extremely talented guys, I would rather see the Browns make a longer-term investment with a younger guy like Carl Lawson, Romeo Okwara, or Yannick Ngakoue.

This is the one position that Berry will be willing to spend a big chunk of money on, so why not fill it long-term with Garrett? All three guys are under 27 and have proven they can be disruptive pass-rushers. Their stock will only increase with Garrett beside them.

Berry has options at the position, he can try to sign a huge name to a short-term deal or sign a younger “on the brink” guy to a longer-term contract. Either will be effective next season and will make the entire defense better.

Update: Lawson, Okwara, and Ngakoue all landed with new teams but there are still players out there who could help the Browns improve.