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.
Cleveland Browns FA Target No. 2: Jason Pierre-Paul
A former first-round pick out of USF back in 2010, Jason Pierre-Paul was one of the best pass rushers in the game during most of his eight-year tenure with the New York Giants. He recorded 432 tackles and 58.5 sacks in that time while playing with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end — including 16.5 in his second season in the league.
He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 where he moved to an outside linebacker role in their 3-4 defense during his second season with the team. After recording 12.5 sacks as an end, he then put up 8.5 and 9.5 in his new role during the 2019 and 2020 campaigns.
Last year, he ended up with just 2.5 sacks in 12 games which could be why the 33-year-old is still looking for a new home.
In Cleveland, he would revert to a position on the line once again and that could do him well. While he’s not as explosive as he once was, he’s still a very capable player and could hold the job down while Alex Wright learns the ropes at the NFL level. And without having to worry about dropping into coverage — which 3-4 pass rushers often do — he could focus on what he does best, get after the quarterback.
Cleveland Browns FA Target No. 1: Jadeveon Clowney
The hope remains high that Jadeveon Clowney will come back to the Browns.
A player they chased in 2020 and 2021, Clowney finally did join the franchise late in the process during the 2021 offseason. He ended up rewarding them with one of his best seasons as a pro.
Clowney had 37 tackles and nine sacks, which was just one-half sack shy of his career-best. Clearly, he had hoped to turn his big campaign into a payday but at this point, it appears as though most of his suitors have moved on.
That’s not the case with the Browns, however. They’re still reportedly interested in him coming back and playing opposite Myles Garrett once more in 2022. In fact, they reportedly even offered him a two-year deal, which would be wise so they don’t have to go through the waiting game for another season.
Of all the players possible to add, none makes as much sense as Clowney. He fit in well with Garrett and the defense and understands the scheme. He wouldn’t need any time to learn the playbook and we already know he can be a menace for opposing teams.
Also, as the others mentioned, he would be a great person for Alex Wright to try and pick up some tips from in the NFL.
Clowney remains the No. 1 option and anyone else is a backup plan should he decide to sign elsewhere for the 2022 season.