Cleveland Browns: 3 lesser-known free agent targets in 2022

Cleveland Browns target No. 1: Arden Key, EDGE

This past season, Andrew Berry went all-in on fixing the Browns pass rush. He signed Jadeveon Clowney as a starter opposite Myles Garrett as well as Takk McKinley to give them a former first-round draft pick coming off the bench.

Both did their jobs with Clowney exceeding as he fell a half-sack short of his career-high with nine on the season. The only issue is, both are now going to be free agents in 2022. Clowney did more than enough to warrant a new contract but he could also be looking at a bigger deal outside of Cleveland.

As for McKinley, he performed well but there’s no guarantee he will be back. Whether they can land one of them, or both, it would make sense to continue to build up the unit — especially when you consider how many times one of their defensive ends had to be sidelined.

With the goal being to add as many talented edge rushers as possible, the Browns could look at Arden Key. A former LSU star, Key was drafted by the Raiders back in 2018. A third-round pick that never found his footing with his original team, Key was released ahead of the 2021 campaign. He then signed with the San Francisco 49ers and had a career year.

Key finished with 22 tackles and 6.5 sacks — after registering just three in his previous three seasons. He should be able to parlay that success into a new deal and Cleveland should be interested.