3 free agents the Cleveland Browns should aggressively pursue
By Greg Newland
Browns FA Target No. 2 – Jerry Tillery, Defensive Tackle
After being a first-round pick in 2018 by the Los Angeles Chargers, Jerry Tillery eventually found himself being cut midway through the 2022 season and was claimed by the Raiders. While 2022 was a down year, Tillery had a strong season in 2021 where he had 51 tackles and four and a half sacks.
Tillery is a big guy at 6-foot-6 and is a bit of a tweener. He’s oversized as a defensive end at 295 pounds but isn’t a massive body (like I would prefer at defensive tackle). I personally don’t love this addition, but I think Berry will fall in love.
We’ve seen a pattern of signing former first-round picks to one-year prove-it type deals because the value is typically strong. Low risk and high reward is his favorite type of signing. Additionally, with Jadeveon Clowney likely gone, Tillery is a flexible piece. He can play defensive tackle in most situations but has experience at defensive end when needed.
I personally would like to see Berry sign a massive defensive tackle who can clog multiple gaps and isn’t as much of a threat to rush the passer. But at this point, as bad as it’s been the last three years, I’d be happy to add a guy like Tillery who will easily be the most talented defensive tackle on the roster.
With a ton of depth at defensive tackle this free agency, Berry should also be able to get Tillery at a decent value.