Should Cleveland Browns have interest in Jaylon Smith, Stephon Gilmore?

Two major stars have been released in the last 24 hours. The Cleveland Browns may be limited, but should at least consider making a call.

The Cleveland Browns have started the season out 3-1 and look to be real contenders out of the AFC in 2021. However, the breaking news in the NFL in the last 24-hours could bring up some interesting decisions for Andrew Berry and the front office of the Browns.

Late last night it was reported that Dallas Cowboys linebacker, Jaylon Smith, was being released from the team. On top of that, the New England Patriots announced that former defensive MVP corner, Stephon Gilmore, was also being released.

The Cleveland defense has looked dynamite the last two games, but should they consider adding one of these stars?

Stephon Gilmore: If the situation is right.

It would be tough to add someone right now that would demand so much money. If you brought in Gilmore, you would basically be saying you are ready to move on from Denzel Ward.

Because Ward is only 24-years old, I just don’t think it would make a lot of sense to pay the 31-year old Gilmore.  The only reason you consider it, Ward has struggled to stay on the field in his first few seasons.  Don’t forget Brown’s fans, Greedy Williams, Greg Newsome, and Troy Hill have all looked fantastic to start the year.

If Gilmore wanted to win and came at a cheap price for one year, sign him up. However, a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, or even Tampa Bay likely makes more sense for that.

Jaylon Smith: The Browns should call

I know there may be some mixed opinions on this one, but I’m all in on bringing Smith to the Browns.  This is a guy that had over 400 tackles in the three-year span of 2018 and 2020.  Not to mention that he started all 16 games in each season.

Smith didn’t become a bad linebacker overnight; he just no longer fits the Cowboys 4-3 scheme in the middle. Whose scheme does he fit with his lighting speed? That’s right, the Cleveland Browns.

Smith could come to the Browns and give defensive coordinator, Joe Woods, more flexibility than he ever imagined. Smith, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Grant Delpit would all three be hybrid players. Smith can’t play in the secondary, but he certainly has the speed to cover tight ends, while JOK and Delpit could then be moved all around the field confusing quarterbacks.

Money will be the biggest issue, but if the Browns want to make it happen, they certainly have the ability to.