3 free agents Cleveland Browns need to sign before the 2022 NFL Draft
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns Free Agent Target No. 3: Star Lotulelei, Defensive Tackle
A free agent signing that matches the Andrew Berry strategy would be former Buffalo Bill defensive tackle, Star Lotulelei. The former first-round pick had several successful seasons with the Carolina Panthers and signed a 5-year, $50 million deal with the Bills in 2018.
After two great seasons, Lotulelei missed 2020 after opting out because of COVID19, and wouldn’t return to the field until 2021. The monster defensive tackle then missed time in 2021 after struggling with COVID19, and then was never able to find himself back on the field.
After a full offseason to recover and only a few years left in his prime at age 32, Lotulelei is likely looking to join a competitive team where he can work his way in as a starter.
The Cleveland Browns could be a perfect fit who have a few young guys at the position, but no one as good at stopping the run as Lotulelei. Not only would he be a starter, his veteran experience and playoff history with the Bills could be extremely beneficial to the team.
Given that he has made it as a free agent this far, the market likely isn’t as hot for him as expected. Look for Berry to take advantage of that and try to swoop in and get him on a one-year deal to give him a chance to get one bigger contract before his career ends.