Cleveland Browns: 3 lesser-known free agent targets in 2022
By Randy Gurzi
There will be a lot of eyes on some big-name free agents this offseason but the Cleveland Browns could also look to some of these lesser-known options
We all want to see the big-name free agents come to town but oftentimes, the biggest impact comes from some of the lesser-known free agents. Take for example, Malcolm Smith. The Cleveland Browns added him with no fanfare and in two seasons he has racked up 123 tackles and three picks.
There was also the move to claim M.J. Stewart. While he wasn’t a free agent signing, he came in without having a huge NFL persona and ended up performing at a high level when called upon.
With that being said, we look at three free agents who won’t break the bank but could be highly impactful should general manager Andrew Berry decide to pursue them in 2022.
Cleveland Browns target No. 3: Andrew Wingard, S
An undrafted free agent out of Wyoming in 2019, Andrew Wingard landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and has been with them ever since. He quickly earned a role in their base defense as he had 30 tackles and a sack as a rookie.
Then in year two, he added 50 tackles and had his first two career interceptions. In 2021, he became a full-time starter and had a career-high 88 tackles while adding one more pick.
Wingard has played a deep safety role and is a top-20 cover safety according to PFF. Adding him would not only help the Browns in coverage but it could move John Johnson III closer to the line, which is where he’s better suited.