Ranking the top 5 free agent defensive tackles Browns can target
The Cleveland Browns will be looking to upgrade the defensive tackle position during the offseason and here are the top five names they can target.
One of the most glaring holes on the Cleveland Browns roster is the defensive line, primarily the defensive tackle position. Last year, the team struggled to stop the run or get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, outside of Myles Garret, of course.
In the coming weeks, general manager Andrew Berry will be looking to upgrade the interior of the defensive line through free agency. This class has a lot of potential candidates for the Browns to sign to help sure up stuffing the run and generating pressures.
New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is known for his teams getting pressure on quarterbacks and that is something that Cleveland desperately needs to improve on in 2023.
Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders would be on this list, but he will likely be the recipient of the franchise tag. Even if he were to become a free agent, Cleveland would likely avoid him due to his high asking price. Now, that doesn't mean Berry won't clear cap space and sign a player who commands a higher salary.
Here are the five free agent defensive tackles the Browns could target.
No. 5: Matt Ioannidis, Carolina Panthers
This isn't a flashy name or a guy at the top of most free agent lists, but Matt Ioannidis would be an ideal target for the Browns.
The seven-year veteran out of Temple spent the first six seasons with Washington before calling Carolina home last season. In 13 games with the Panthers in 2022, Ioannidis compiled 37 tackles, 10 pressures, nine quarterback hits, a sack, pass deflection, and a forced fumble.
The Browns wouldn't have to break the bank and would be a relatively cheap option to sign Ioannidis, who was my No. 1 defensive tackle to target ahead of the trade deadline. Cleveland needs veteran guys who can help stuff the run and apply pressure to the quarterback and this is an ideal candidate.