Cleveland Browns: 3 second-wave free agent targets

There are still some talented players the Cleveland Browns can sign in free agency

Although the free agency period doesn’t officially start until March 17, the Cleveland Browns have already made quite the splash. During the two-day “legal tampering” period, general manager Andrew Berry landed two defensive players who already vastly improve the roster.

First was safety John Johnson III, who was formerly with the Los Angeles Rams. Johnson is widely viewed as one of the best safeties in the NFL and Cleveland landed him on a three-year deal worth roughly $33 million.

On Tuesday, Berry was at it again, this time going after a former first-round pick in Takkarist McKinley. While his signing didn’t make as much noise, it still gives them a talented pass rusher who signed a team-friendly deal.

But as is always the case, there can always be more moves made. With that in mind, we look at three players who could be added during the next wave of free agency.

3. Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle

A very familiar face kicks things off as nose tackle Danny Shelton is on the open market and the Browns should definitely be interested in a reunion. Shelton was a first-round pick for Cleveland back in 2015 and played 46 games in three seasons before being traded to the Patriots in 2018.

He spent two seasons there before heading to Detroit in 2020 but was released after just one season with the Lions.

Since leaving the Browns, Shelton has continued to be a reliable run-stuffer and has started 26 games over the past two years. He was fantastic in 2019 for the Patriots, recording 61 tackles and three sacks — both career highs.

The truth is, Shelton was never a bad player, he was just picked way too early for a nose tackle. Should the Browns be able to convince him to come back, it would shore up their defensive line and at this point, he probably won’t break the bank.