3 Affordable defensive ends Cleveland Browns can target in free agency

Jadeveon Clowney isn’t coming back and Chase Winovich isn’t guaranteed either, so the Cleveland Browns need to kick the tires on these free agents

Jadeveon Clowney did all he could to make sure the Cleveland Browns — and possibly anyone else in the league — won’t be interested in signing him in 2023 when he blamed everyone but himself for a poor campaign. Chase Winovich might also be out as he had just one year on his deal when acquired from New England.

With that being said, the Browns should look to free agency to make sure they have a capable starter, just in case the draft doesn’t fall their way. With the salary cap also a factor, here’s a look at three free agents who could contribute but also won’t break the bank.

3 Affordable defensive ends Cleveland Browns can target in free agency

3. Robert Quinn

At this stage in his career, it’s likely that Robert Quinn is going to be chasing a ring. He nearly got one this year when the Philadelphia Eagles acquired him mid-season.

Quinn began the year in Chicago and wound up playing six games with the Eagles in a reserve role. He finished with just 10 tackles and one sack on the year — with only two tackles coming while he was in Philly.

It was a far cry from the 18.5 sacks he had in 2021. And because of the low numbers, he might not find many options in free agency. That’s why the Browns could still find a way to bring him in as an experienced option across from Myles Garrett.

And if history repeats itself, Quinn should be a solid contributor in 2023. Looking at his past four seasons, he’s followed up slow campaigns with strong ones. He had 6.5 sacks in 2018 with Miami followed by 11.5 with Dallas. Then in his first season with the Bears, he had just two sacks followed by 18.5 and just one.

At 33 years old, he won’t be a full-time starter in 2023 but he can offer a mentor for Alex Wright and is worth a look.