5 Free Agent Defensive Tackles Cleveland Browns could target in 2023
By John Suchan
Cleveland Browns target No.3: Sheldon Rankins, DT, New York Jets
A more reasonable free agent in comparison to a player like Payne could be someone like Sheldon Rankins, of the New York Jets. His going market value is expected closer to the $7 million range.
Rankins has played in the league for six years after being selected at No. 12 in the 2016 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. His best season statistically was back in 2018, when he racked up eight sacks, recorded 40 tackles, including 12 for losses, and had 15 quarterback hits.
This past season while playing in New York, he did have 43 tackles and three sacks. In the game against the Browns in Week 2, Rankins recorded five tackles and had one quarterback hit.
Rankins had a great year, especially against the run. Rebounded to his normal solid level of play after a down 2021 - he proved me wrong after I thought he could have been a cut candidate.
— Michael Nania (@Michael_Nania) January 16, 2023
Would love to see him back. pic.twitter.com/eKSVRtXgOm
The Jets could be rebuilding parts of their defense as they have several free agents who could be looking to move on.
As for Rankins, while he hasn’t knocked anyone’s socks off in his career, he still has some good upside. He scored out at a 73.1 according to Pro Football Focus and his 33 solo tackles ranked him the 19th best in the league.
For comparison, current Cleveland defensive tackle Jordan Elliott ranked 47th overall with 25 tackles on the season and he graded out at only a 40.4 according to PFF.