Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Cleveland Browns
Oct 10, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws as Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Linval Joseph (98) moves in during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns DT target: Linval Joseph

Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski might have an interest in Linval Joseph as he once played for the Minnesota Vikings, who Stefanski used to coach for. Joseph’s career is a lengthy one as he’s on the older side — as he’s 33 years old now. He was drafted by the New York Giants back in 2010 and moved on to the Vikings in 2014. His career has been marked by consistency. He’s recorded more than 44 tackles in every season since 2011.

In 2016, when he was playing for the Vikings, he registered 77 tackles, forced three fumbles, had four sacks, and had 17 hits on the quarterback. Not only is he excellent at taking away the interior run by opponents but he’s good at getting into the backfield and causing havoc.

He’s played the last two years playing for the Los Angeles Chargers. He had a steady 57 tackles and recorded one sack this season. He had three tackles against the Browns when the two teams played back in October.

Joseph’s contract was pretty pricey this past season with the Chargers as he got paid $11.9 million. It’ll be interesting to see what his next contract will look like. The Browns wouldn’t likely pay Joseph a big contract like his last one with the Chargers but would both sides to able to work out a creative deal that might bring a player like him to Cleveland for a year or two?

He and Stefanski likely have some familiarity with each other so keep an ear out for Joseph’s name when free agency opens in mid-March.

Home/Browns News