4 Cleveland Browns free agent targets after initial 53-man roster

With version one of the 53-man roster set for the Cleveland Browns, you will still likely see some tweaks. The team should explore these four options.

While there were a few surprises on the Cleveland Browns first version of their 53-man roster, perhaps the biggest surprise was that they only kept three defensive ends. I’ve heard many people say that Malik McDowell can play end, but the Browns need a true pass rusher, not a guy who can just fill in.

Myles Garrett and Jadaveon Clowney obviously have the first two slots filled. We haven’t seen any of them in the preseason, but I don’t think there is much to worry about other than an injury occurring.

But even the Browns third defensive end, Takk McKinley, has only been active in a few weeks of camp. He was a former first-round pick but hasn’t nearly lived up to expectations. Should fans feel confident he can truly perform at a high level?

At this point, two things seem certain to me. One, the Browns will adjust this roster and add another defensive end.  And two, there is very little chance of landing another defensive end that can make this roster in the waiver period of cuts.

What does that mean?  It looks like Andrew Berry will either go back to the free agency bucket for a guy, or he will have to line up a trade.  Here are four possible options the Browns can explore.

Cleveland Browns FA target No. 4: Adrian Clayborn

This may sound strange since the Browns cut him before the start of the 2021 season. However, after seeing what else is available and how guys like Porter Gustin and Curtis Weaver didn’t progress, this could be a decent option.

Adrian Clayborn played in 15 games last year and proved that he could be a high motor guy on 15-20 snaps a game. What I would like most about this signing, Clayborn is a pure edge rusher, he wants nothing more than to hit the quarterback.