Cleveland Browns News: Kevin Stefanski leaves door open for Sheldon Richardson return

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 17: Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns wraps up quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals for a sack in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 17, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 17: Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns wraps up quarterback Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals for a sack in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 17, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know including Kevin Stefanski leaving the door open for Sheldon Richardson

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski took some time to speak with the media on Tuesday and the 2020 NFL Head Coach of the Year had a lot to say.

While speaking about the upcoming season, he discussed how he and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt expect a huge leap from Baker Mayfield in his second season under their tuteledge. He also talked about Jadeveon Clowney and his role with the team.

But what might have been the most interesting was what he had to say about Sheldon Richardson. The recently released defensive tackle was a salary cap casualty but Stefanski made it sound as if the door would be open for a return, if Richardson was so inclined to come back.

That story and more could be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.

Cleveland Browns News

Kevin Stefanski hopes Baker Mayfield is ‘significantly better’ in Year 2; leaves door open for Sheldon Richardson’s return — Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com

"“He played through injuries, and he took great pride in getting to the playoffs for the first time in his career. He was a big part of that. I hope there’s a scenario [where he can come back], but those are the hard decisions that are made. I really want to point out that Sheldon was such a big part of what we did last year.”"

There’s a lot of good stuff in here about Baker Mayfield progressing in year two — and that’s worth a read in itself. For Mayfield, this will be the first time he’s headed into a new season with the same coach and OC from the prior year, so the excitement is understandable.

As for Richardson, it’s interesting to see Stefanski mention a scenario where he returns. Of course, he could still land elsewhere but the longer he goes without a deal, the higher the chances are that he returns on a lower deal than he had.

News Updates: Stefanski says Clowney can help Browns on inside, outside — Andrew Gribble, ClevelandBrowns.com

"“I do think he is versatile enough to play inside and outside. He has shown that over the course of his career,” Stefanski said"

That’s one of the reasons the Browns were okay with letting Richardson go, they knew Clowney was versatile and could slide inside on third-downs. Imagine a passing situation where the opponent has to block Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, Malik Jackson, and Takk McKinley. That could be tough for any offensive line to handle.

Grading Dane Brugler’s 2021 Browns 7-round mock draft – Nick Dudukovich, Factory of Sadness

"“Round 1, Pick 1: Greg Newsome, NorthwesternGrade: A+The fact that the Browns could get him, just standing pat at No. 26 is an added bonus, as Cleveland comes away with the Big-Ten’s best corner. Newsome was the third corner off the board, behind Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn.”"

Dudukovich also gave an A to the fifth-round selection of Darrick Forrest (a pick I love by the way) but the A+ for Newsome was the highest. Newsome does make a ton of sense for the Browns but there are concerns with his durability. Still, he’s a great value at 26 and fills a massive need.

Cleveland Browns: 3 wide receivers to consider at No. 26

One thing that’s special about this free agency class is how it sets the Browns up for the draft. There’s no limit on what they can do now, including kicking the tires on a wide receiver at No. 26. If they did elect to go this route, here are three names to watch for.

Next. Browns draft comparison, Jamin Davis vs. Zaven Collins. dark

3 Small school sleepers Cleveland Browns should draft

Brendan Bolan looks at three small school players who he believes could benefit the Browns. Check out these three prospects from the 2021 NFL Draft.