3 remaining free agent options for Cleveland Browns ongoing need at cornerback

1. Gareon Conley

Gareon Conley tops this list not because he is the best corner out there but because he is young and likely cheaper with some upside. During his three years in the NFL, Conley has shown flashes of being great but has never found consistency. He was traded in 2020 from the Raiders, who took him out of Ohio State in the first round of the 2017 draft, to the Texans. After mostly struggling in LA/Vegas, Conley had some solid numbers in Houston to finish the year.

In eight games, six starts, with the Texans, Conley gave up a completion percentage of 52.2 percent. He also had 11 passes defended, allowed 6.5 yards per target, and gave up only two touchdowns. That led to a quarterback rating of 87.2 when throwing his way, greatly improved numbers from his time with the Raiders. Conley has had his struggles but, at just 25 years old, still has some potential to grow.

His past struggles may be what allows him to come at a cheaper cost should the Browns add another body at cornerback. Conley will have to challenge for a job after just half a solid season over three years. Conley may provide the best combination of age, potential, and cost. He is not a lock to start for anybody in the NFL, but he certainly could if it all comes together. We are still talking about a young six-foot lengthy corner who has had 28 passes defended and four picks in his last two seasons. He has also missed just three games in the past two seasons.

With big questions surrounding cornerback Greedy Williams, combined with the health issues throughout the Browns cornerback room, a move may still need to be made. Not only does a move need to be made, but it could require adding a starter caliber player like Nelson or Breeland to avoid a rookie starting on a Superbowl caliber roster.

At the very least, another capable player needs to be added if the Browns do not want what happened last season to happen again in 2021. Berry is a smart GM, and he knows the risk they are currently taking, counting on the current cornerback room.

Therefore, I would expect at least one more move to deepen and stabilize that room just a bit more.