Cleveland Browns: 5 best remaining pass-rushers in free agency
By Sam Penix
Five free agent EDGEs who could start for the Cleveland Browns in 2021
The Cleveland Browns have signed Takkarist McKinley to a one-year deal as part of their effort to improve the defensive line. McKinley is a solid young player, but he is much better suited to fill the role that Adrian Clayborn played in 2020.
If the Browns are in a position where McKinley is starting opposite of Myles Garrett, that means mistakes were made.
The team doesn’t have much cap space left, but here are five free agent EDGEs who would be better starting options next season.
5. Ryan Kerrigan
Ryan Kerrigan has been a quality player for a decade with Washington, and while he’s likely slowing down as he approaches age 33, that means he won’t cost all that much, and really, the Browns don’t have the cap space to be too picky (at least, not currently).
He’s collected at least 5.5 sacks in every season of his career, including 2020 when he started only one game. He made three straight Pro Bowls from 2016 to 2018, for however little that’s worth. Kerrigan may not be the most glamourous option on the market, but he can at least provide a decent veteran presence while McKinley and/or a Day 2 rookie develops into a starting-caliber player.
Garrett’s long-term pass-rushing partner is not a free agent at the moment, and in all likelihood is not even currently in the NFL. The term “stop-gap” has a negative connotation, but that’s what the Browns will be doing at EDGE2 this season. Kerrigan could play that part just fine.