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3 splash free agents the Cleveland Browns should consider on defense

By Greg Newland

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) takes the field during introductions before the first quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. The Bengals led 13-3 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Week 14
Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III (30) takes the field during introductions before the first quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. The Bengals led 13-3 at halftime.Cleveland Browns At Cincinnati Bengals Week 14 /
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Browns
49ers, Samson Ebukam. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Browns Splash Free Agent Target No. 2 – Samson Ebukam, Edge

Samson Ebukam isn’t exactly a household name yet, but the Cleveland Browns should still take a serious look at him this offseason. One of the weaker areas in this year’s free agency class is edge rusher which isn’t great news considering Chase Winovich and Jadeveon Clowney likely won’t be returning in 2023.

I don’t love the idea of signing Ebukam as the full-time second-edge rusher in 2023, but I’m not sure Berry will have a better option without a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. Ebukam has never had more than 5 sacks in a season, but he also hasn’t got a ton of snaps as a rotational guy for the 49ers who likely have the best defensive line in the league.

The depth chart would be slightly underwhelming with Ebukam as the No. 2 guy, but I think in year seven he could be a 10-sack guy with enough snaps. Plus, keep in mind that Alex Wright showed a lot of promise as a rookie in 2022. I don’t think the new defensive coordinator should plan on him starting in 2023, but he should certainly be ready to be a strong contributor with another offseason to improve.

The most unfortunate part is you’ll have to overspend for Ebukam. Corners, quarterbacks, and defensive ends all seem to get overpaid in free agency. With the supply/demand out of whack this offseason, you could be shocked at what a guy like Ebukam or Clowney gets.

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