3 John Dorsey mistakes Cleveland Browns could bring back in 2022 free agency

Cleveland Browns: Dorsey Mistake No. 3 – Genard Avery Trade

The Browns drafted Myles Garrett in 2017 who was the highlight of the draft that year. He has since been deemed the face of the organization. But the Cleveland Browns also drafted a pretty good defensive end in round five of the 2018 draft.

Genard Avery is now listed as a linebacker, but he was a pass-rushing specialist for the Browns as a rookie. In 2018 he had 40 tackles and four and a half sacks while not getting a ton of snaps. He was a real bright spot alongside Garrett, and many thought he could be a long-term piece.

Then, shortly after the start of the 2019 season, Avery was traded to the Eagles for a fourth-round pick in return. While it was great that Dorsey turned a fifth-round selection into a fourth-round pick, the defense really missed him the remainder of the year.

Truthfully, the trade was bad for the Browns and Avery. After great success as a rookie and the first few games of 2019, he hasn’t had a season since with near the production. He has had just three sacks total in the last two-plus years with the Eagles.

I’m not recommending bringing back Avery as the partner in crime to Garrett, but he would be a fantastic addition to the pass rushers for more depth. If Takk McKinley gets a big offer and the Browns need to let him walk, Avery is a guy that could be the third option on this team and play a pivotal role in 2022.