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5 free agent defensive linemen that Cleveland Browns need to target in 2022

By John Suchan

Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is pressured by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (77) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is pressured by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (77) during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Dec 19, 2021; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants nose tackle Austin Johnson (98) celebrates his fumble recovery with inside linebacker Tae Crowder (48) against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns DT target: Jarran Reed

Jarran Reed was originally drafted by the Seattle Seahawks back in 2016. This past season he jumped ship and went to play for the Kansas City Chiefs. He’ll be a free agent again after the playoffs finish. His contract was $5 million with additional incentives.

For some comparison, the Browns were paying Malik Jackson $3.6 million this past year. Reed is younger than many other defensive tackles that are available this offseason at 29 years old. His best season was when he was with the Seahawks back in 2018. That year he recorded 10.5 sacks along with 50 tackles and 24 quarterback hits. This season with the Chiefs he has 2.5 sacks and 43 tackles.

Reed would seem likely to test the market again. He will likely draw a lot of attention and the Browns will have some available cap space approaching $38 million so the time to invest in one of the weakest parts of the team might be now.

Cleveland Browns DT target: Austin Johnson

Austin Johnson has played with the New York Giants the last two seasons after signing one-year contracts for back-to-back years — with his 2021 salary being good for $3 million. Johnson was originally drafted at No. 43 by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the NFL draft out of Penn State. He’s only going to be 28 years old by the start of training camp.

The former Nittany Lion had a breakout career year with the Giants this past season. He recorded 72 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He also started all 17 games. He will want more money on the open market this offseason, but he still might interest the Browns because of his younger age and the nice season he just had with the Giants.

New York is going through another coaching change so the opportunity to pick up a free agent like Johnson might be a good pick up by the Browns.

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