3 free agent tight ends the Cleveland Browns could affordably add

David Njoku isn’t going anywhere as TE1, but the Cleveland Browns could use an upgrade at the second spot, especially in Kevin Stefanski’s offense which often employs two tight ends. Thankfully, there are plenty of options in free agency this offseason and some could be rather affordable.

Players who are going to break the bank such as Dalton Schultz, Mike Gesicki, and Evan Engram are out. Also off this list will be Hayden Hurst and Robert Tonyan, who will likely look for starting jobs — and Austin Hooper, for obvious reasons.

With all that being said, here are three free-agent tight ends that Cleveland could add to their roster without ruining their salary cap situation.

Browns free agent TE option No. 3: Jordan Akins

Jordan Akins spent five seasons with the Houston Texans and for the first three years of his career, he was catching passes from Deshaun Watson. Cleveland’s current quarterback never had any issues targeting Akins, but the veteran still had his best campaign this past season.

Akins hauled in 37 receptions for 495 yards and five touchdowns. One of the few bright spots for Houston, he now enters free agency and with an entirely new coaching staff, he could be on the way out.

Reuniting with Watson would give him some comfort in making the move to Northeast Ohio. And while he’s already over the age of 30, he should have plenty left in the tank. Akins won’t offer much as a blocker but as a receiver, he could help the offense open things up.