Cleveland Browns: 5 best remaining pass-rushers in free agency

4. Justin Houston

Linked to the Browns in 2020 due to his connection to John Dorsey, Justin Houston played the past two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He was very good in 2019, collecting 11 sacks and a large number of pressures, and while his effectiveness on a per-snap basis dropped off in 2020, he still logged eight sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and eight tackles for loss.

Houston has always been a decent run defender, but his calling car has been rushing the passer. He’s totaled 97.5 sacks over his 10-year career, and while he’s never approached the 22 sacks he had in 2014, he’s been fairly consistent in the metrics that matter more on a year-to-year basis.

Houston’s last contract paid him $24 million over two seasons, but given the current salary cap situation and his age (32), he won’t get that amount again. The EDGE market for veterans is still unfolding, but it doesn’t seem like Houston would get more than around $6 million.

There is the possibility that he falls off a cliff, but Houston probably has at least one more solid year in him. Perhaps the Browns will want to go younger, or find a player who holds up better against the run, but there are certainly worse options for one year than Houston.