3 Defensive end free agents Cleveland Browns can sign in May
By Randy Gurzi
The Cleveland Browns added two defensive ends in the NFL Draft but could still use an experienced starter across from Myles Garrett
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns went after a couple of defensive ends as they added Alex Wright from UAB and Isaiah Thomas from Oklahoma.
Both have a lot to be excited about, especially Wright, who looks to be a future starter in the NFL. However, he might not be ready for a full-time role as a rookie which is why it would make sense for general manager Andrew Berry to add another veteran in free agency.
While the market has dried up quite a bit, there are still some options to start for at least one season to consider. Here, we look at three such options.
Cleveland Browns FA Target No. 3: Jerry Hughes
One name that has been linked to the Cleveland Browns in free agency is Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes. The longest-tenured Bills player, Hughes has yet to be retained by the club and with them making a huge move to land Von Miller, that might not be in the cards.
In addition to Miller, Buffalo has added Gregory Rousseau, Boogie Basham, and A.J. Epenesa in recent drafts. They have gone young for the most part, with the veteran Miller being the one exception.
With Hughes looking for a new home, Cleveland has surfaced as a possibility. A 12-year veteran, he spent three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts back in 2010-2012 before heading to Buffalo. There, he’s recorded 350 tackles and 53 sacks in nine seasons.
His production dipped in 2021 as he had just 18 tackles and two sacks but he could still be someone to split time with Alex Wright and Chase Wonovich to form a decent pass rush across from Myles Garrett.