4 Cleveland Browns free agent targets after initial 53-man roster
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns FA target No. 3: Trent Murphy
The former second-round pick in 2014, Trent Murphy, could also be a reasonable option for the Cleveland Browns in 2021. Murphy only ever had one stellar year in 2016, but he certainly would have the ability to be the fourth edge guy on this roster.
After playing out his three-year $21 million contract in Buffalo, Murphy has yet to find a home. Unfortunately for him, the defensive line is an area where the Bills are thick, so finding a new team is likely his only option.
The big question for Murphy, how important is winning? If Murphy wants to play another two years in the league and is only worried about money, Cleveland likely won’t be a fit. If he wants to play another few years and have a chance at competing for a title and he will take a little less money, it could work perfectly.
Remember, the Browns aren’t looking for a guy that needs to play 75 or even 50 percent of the defensive snaps. They need a guy who can come in and give breaks for 15-20 snaps a game, and possibly step in here or there if there is an injury.
Murphy is not the dynamic pass rusher I would like to see the Browns get, but he is formable as a rusher and against the run which is also desirable.