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3 former Cleveland Browns that are desperately needed in 2022

By Greg Newland

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 19: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Cleveland Browns passes during the game against the Washington Redskins on October 19, 2008 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 14-11. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 19: Quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Cleveland Browns passes during the game against the Washington Redskins on October 19, 2008 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins won 14-11. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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As loaded as the Cleveland Browns roster will be in 2022, they could still use these three guys from years past to get to a Super Bowl.

After feeling like the offseason winners just a few weeks ago, the Cleveland Browns have entered murky waters as more and more details come out on Deshaun Watson and his pending legal issues. There’s no set punishment at this time, but the overwhelming thought is he could be suspended for at least the full 2022 season.

That doesn’t mean this trade still won’t work out, but it does mean the rest of this loaded roster is going to have to step up to make the best of the situation. Andrew Berry has already aligned a top three roster in the league, but the addition of these three former Browns stars could put them over the edge.

Former Cleveland Browns player No. 3 – Phil Dawson, Kicker

Cleveland Browns
Dec. 9, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson (4) kicks a field goal in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

I know there is a lot of excitement about the rookie kicker, Cade York, but I’m still not willing to take him over the Cleveland Browns legend, Phil Dawson. Did you know that before the franchise tag was put on David Njoku this offseason that Dawson was the last and only Brown to play on it?

After 14 seasons with an 84% field goal rate, it was clear the Browns let go of Dawson a few seasons too soon. I was glad to see him go to a team where he had a little more success winning games.

Why would I bring back a kicker?

One, the Browns don’t have a ton of guys worth bringing back in the last 23 years since returning in 1999. And two, the placekicking role has been amplified with the extra point being moved back.  I still get a cold sweat every time the Browns score a touchdown because I’m afraid it’s only going to turn into six instead of seven points.

I hope York is great, but I would cut him in a second to get 2012, Phil Dawson, on my team.

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