Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

5 remaining free agents Cleveland Browns can sign in June

By Greg Newland

BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns works out during training camp at the Browns' training facility on August 16, 2020 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
BEREA, OHIO - AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 of the Cleveland Browns works out during training camp at the Browns' training facility on August 16, 2020 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 03: Mike Glennon #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass while Justin Houston #50 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to block it during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 03: Mike Glennon #2 of the Jacksonville Jaguars throws a pass while Justin Houston #50 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to block it during the fourth quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 03, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns Free Agent Option No. 2: Justin Houston, Defensive End

Yes, the Cleveland Browns added Jadeveon Clowney and Takk McKinley, but can you truly have enough edge rushers in the NFL? Adding a guy like Justin Houston could take the Browns defense from great to elite.

The situation would have to be perfect. Houston would have to take less money to play for a contender, and the Browns would have to be okay with letting a guy like Porter Gustin walk. Gustin was a solid player for much of 2020, and he could have some long-term potential but he doesn’t bring to the table what Houston would.

Houston will be 32 this season, but he can still contribute, especially on third and long.  Remember, he’s had 37.5 sacks the last four seasons. And with Myles Garrett on the other side, he could flourish.

What about Clowney you ask? One, he will still get a ton of snaps. Houston would be a 50 percent snaps type of guy to save his energy. Two, he can play on the interior of the line and fill the void of Sheldon Richardson.

Clowney is a great defensive end, but he is an elite-run defender and can generate a ton of pressure up the middle as well. With McKinley on the roster, I believe this was part of the Browns plan already.

Edge rushers usually don’t come cheap, but the fact that Houston is still on the market could mean that the Browns can get a deal on him. This idea may seem crazy, but it could be the perfect move by Berry.

Home/Browns News