3 veteran free agents Cleveland Browns should add before 2022 camp

Dec 5, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Melvin Ingram III (24) celebrates with defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) after a play against the Denver Broncos during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Melvin Ingram III (24) celebrates with defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (38) after a play against the Denver Broncos during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Sep 29, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Danny Shelton (71) on the sideline prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns Veteran Free Agent Target No. 3 – Danny Shelton, DT

After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2015, I think a reunion with Danny Shelton makes sense. Not only is he a veteran with not a lot of interest at the moment, but he also fills a need as a run-stuffing interior lineman for the defense.

After playing his first three seasons in Cleveland, Shelton was traded to the New England Patriots where he played for two years and then bounced to the Detroit Lions and New York Giants in 2020 and 2021. At the time of his trade from the Browns, effort on the field was a concern.

There were times when it felt like Shelton would loaf on the field, and then there were other times that it felt like he was a first-round talented guy. His most production came in 2019 with the Patriots when he had 61 tackles and three sacks.

Shelton would be brought into Cleveland with a very specific role. He would likely only be on the field for 20-25 snaps a game and would be used in running down situations. Because the market appears weak for Shelton and the Browns could provide a winning environment, I think Berry could get him here on a very cheap one-year deal that is beneficial to both parties.