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5 Free Agent safeties the Cleveland Browns could target in 2023

By John Suchan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 04: Marcus Epps #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a play against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on December 4, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 04: Marcus Epps #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a play against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field on December 4, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) is tackled by Houston Texans safety Jonathan Owens (36) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022. /

Cleveland Browns Safety FA Target No. 4: Jonathan Owens, Houston Texans

Coming from Missouri Western University, the Houston Texans signed Jonathan Owens after the 2019 NFL Draft. He finally broke out in 2022 as he finished with 125 tackles while starting all 17 games for Houston. The Texans again are in full rebuild mode with a new coach, and such a player like Owens could be there for the taking because of the constant turnover in Houston.

There’s a bright future for Owens somewhere if not with the Texans and he could be a nice fit in Cleveland. He had a knack for finding the ball, defending the pass well, and flying around the field. He’d be another up-and-coming talent to go alongside a player like Grant Delpit.

Cleveland Browns Safety FA Target No. 3: Eric Rowe, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins safety Eric Rowe has been in the league for eight seasons. He’s spent the last several with the Dolphins so unlike the previous two candidates, he’s a little bit more experienced. He’s been an on and off again starter over his lengthy career and this year he started in six games. For the season, he had 56 tackles, forced two fumbles, and recorded two sacks. For his career, he’s registered 381 tackles, forced six fumbles, and had five interceptions.

Rowe was actually born in Cleveland and played his college ball at the University of Utah. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2015. After his first season with the Eagles, he was traded to the New England Patriots where he played for three seasons. He then joined the Dolphins and has been with them ever since.

Rowe finished up his contract with the Dolphins this season which was a three-year and $16 million deal. It’s projected his market value is probably somewhere in the ballpark of $2-to-$3 million per year. Compared to the other candidates that we’ve already discussed, Rowe financially might be a better fit, however, his age could be a barrier for the Browns, who typically like going with the younger player.

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