Rumor: Cleveland Browns interested in EDGE Brandon Graham
By Randy Gurzi
With a need on the defensive line, the Cleveland Browns are rumored to be interested in defensive end Brandon Graham
Jadeveon Clowney made it clear he wasn't happy with the Cleveland Browns, which means he's all but gone in 2023. With that being the case, the front office is ready to kick the tires on a veteran replacement across from Myles Garrett.
According to Eagles insider Tim McManus, one player they have their eyes on is Brandon Graham. A 13-year veteran, Graham is set for free agency in the offseason and would love to stay in Philly but that might not be in the cards.
Eagles free agent DE Brandon Graham is generating interest from other teams, including the Browns, sources say.
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) March 3, 2023
His preference is to finish his career in Philly but sense here is he’s open to signing elsewhere, depending on where the Eagles come in with their offer.
Targeting Graham makes perfect sense for Cleveland. This offseason, they added defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to the coaching staff. Schwartz was in Philadelphia for five seasons, including the 2017 campaign when they won the Super Bowl.
During those years, Graham recorded 35.5 sacks including 8.5 in 2019 and 8.0 in 2020. Schwartz knows exactly what Graham brings to the table and would feel comfortable starting him along with Garrett.
And while his age might be a concern — Graham will be 35 in April — he's coming off his best campaign ever as a pass-rusher. In 17 games, the 34-year-old recorded 35 tackles and 11 sacks. For some perspective, the most sacks Cleveland had outside of Garrett's 16 was three from Taven Bryan.
Adding a veteran such as Graham could also be very beneficial for the long-run. His presence would give them another mentor for Alex Wright and would allow them to focus on other needs early in the 2023 NFL Draft such as defensive tackle or wide receiver.
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