Cleveland Browns: 4 intriguing day two free-agent options
By Greg Newland
With day one of free agency in the books, look for the Cleveland Browns to continue to stay active. Here are four day-two possibilities.
Although nothing can be official until Thursday, free agency all but started for the Cleveland Browns and the rest of the NFL today at noon. Within 30 seconds of the legal tampering period beginning, the first deal was announced.
Keep in mind, the deals may be announced, but that doesn’t make them official. It doesn’t happen often, but until the contract is signed, anything can happen. The Browns weren’t extremely active on day one, but the trade for Amari Cooper continues to flourish as the market appears to be increasing heavily for wide receivers.
The big signing of the day was defensive tackle, Taven Bryan who was a former first-round pick who just hasn’t met expectations. That may sound very familiar, as Andrew Berry has made a habit of signing guys like this. Low risk, high reward, the kind of bet everyone wants.
A lot of guys made deals today, but a lot of high-end talent remains. Expect the Browns to make a few more moves to solidify the roster. Here are four guys that are likely on Cleveland’s radar and could be signed as early as today.
Cleveland Browns Free Agent Option No. 4 – O.J. Howard, Tight End
This one is interesting to me, but with the tight end market being so hot, I think Berry finds a way to trade Austin Hooper and then brings in another first-round pick that didn’t pan out in O.J. Howard.
After a few decent years to start his career, the production the last two seasons just hasn’t been there. The guy is a freak athlete who is a legitimate wide receiver talent but just hasn’t had success with Tom Brady as his quarterback.
Don’t get me wrong, that is a bit alarming, but on a one-year prove-it type deal, this could be a home run for the Browns. The biggest concern with Howard is how willing of a blocker he will be. I do have concerns he and David Njoku are far too similar.