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3 affordable Browns free agent options that are still available

Diving into some defensive free agent options that are still available for the Browns. The Browns have made several notable moves in their recent free agency period, including adding linemen Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Dalvin Tomlinson to aid Myles Garrett when he faces double-teamed coverage. Other notable moves such as Odell Beckham Jr. embracing Kevin Stefanski at the NFL Meeting, and Jimmy Haslam not feeling the need to defend Deshaun Watson's contract in the wake of Lamar Jackson's trade request. Browns safety Michael McLeod has proven to be a tough, yet durable safety that provides excellent readings on the opposing offense and completes his plays. McLeod's play was strong from the start, racking up 83 tackles, seven pass deflections and three interceptions while ranking second among safeties in overall pass-rush grade (90.4). Washington rewarded Ioannidis with a three-year contract worth $21 million.

3 affordable Browns free agent options that are still available

Opublikowany : 12 miesięcy temu za pomocą iharris, Irie Harris | [email protected] w Sports

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns have continued a productive free agency period. Defensively, they added linemen Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Dalvin Tomlinson, to aid Myles Garrett when he faces double-teamed coverage.

Offensively they traded for a young, dynamic and complimentary wide receiver in Elijah Moore, and picked up veteran receiver Marquise Goodwin for depth. There are further solid moves made that could be referenced, but these are among the most notable.

Now comes the focus of the depth chart. Last season, the main stars of the Browns’ defense suffered multiple injuries throughout the season, and valuable alternatives should be a big focus going into 2023.

But who could the Browns add for defensive depth, with a cap space just under $8 million? Below are a couple options:

• None Odell Beckham Jr. embraced Kevin Stefanski at the NFL Meeting, but Browns not pursuing him source says

• None Why Jimmy Haslam doesn’t feel the need to defend Deshaun Watson’s contract in the wake of Lamar Jackson’s trade request

• None Jimmy Haslam: No ultimatum for Kevin Stefanski in first full season with DeShaun Watson but ‘we have expectations to make the playoffs’

The veteran safety showed in his 11th season that he still had a knack for his fundamental style of play. Being in the right spot at the right time, and consistently tackling whoever crosses his path.

McLeod has proven to be a tough, yet durable safety that provides excellent readings on the opposing offense and completes his plays.

Originally undrafted in 2012, McLeod was picked up by the Rams and signed a three-year contract worth $1.44 million. After his rookie year, he’d find his strides and clocked in three consecutive seasons with at least 70 tackles.

During 2015 among safeties, he ranked 21st in overall tackle grade (79.4) and top 10 in overall run defensive (85.0), per Pro Football Focus. His improvements made him one of the top free agent safety prospects, and he signed a five-year contract worth $35 million with the Eagles.

McLeod’s play was strong from the start, racking up 83 tackles, seven pass deflections and three interceptions while ranking second among safeties in overall pass-rush grade (90.4).

He’d stay consistent and played a key part during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run, as he recorded six tackles in the big game.

After that season, McLeod suffered some setbacks with a torn MCL and torn ACL over the next couple seasons. It looked as though he was starting to slow down.

Until taking a one-year deal worth nearly $1.8 million with the Colts last season, where he racked up career highs in tackles (96) and pass deflections (8), along with an 80.4 defense grade and 85.3 coverage grade.

The 32-year-old proved he can still contribute defensively as he’s aging, and can be brought in on a cheaper deal (Spotrac lists his market value at $1.7 million per year).

His history with new Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, during their days in Philadelphia together, would bring a player in with knowledge and comfort in Schwartz’s defense.

McLeod may be entering the twilight of his career, but he’d bring valuable depth to the Browns’ secondary.

The 29-year-old veteran defensive tackle stands 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, and has shown flashes throughout his career. With a nice frame and knack for being a solid pass rusher, Ioannidis struggled at times to contain the run game.

Originally a fifth-round draft pick in 2016 by Washington, he showed potential at first, including 31 tackles and 7.5 sacks during his third year. This was enough for Washington to reward Ioannidis with a three-year contract extension worth $21.75 million.

He’d show his worth with 64 tackles and 8.5 sacks during his 2019 campaign, along with solid grades in overall defense (71.9) and overall pass rush (76.6), per PFF.

A torn biceps limited Ioannidis to only three games during 2020 but he’d come back strong with 38 tackles and 2.5 sacks the next season.

Last season, Ioannidis signed a one-year deal worth $1 million with Carolina. He stayed solid with 38 tackles and a sack.

Ioannidis would be a valuable addition for the Browns, and can be signed on a cheaper deal.

The 28-year old edge rusher hasn’t lived up to the career of a 19th overall pick, but Lawson has found his footing and stayed a contributor as a defender who doesn’t start much. His instincts for containing the run game while using his upper body has been visible in his game. The Bills took him back in 2016, and Lawson totaled 108 tackles and 16.5 sacks through four seasons. He’d endure multiple injuries during his first tenure in Buffalo, including shoulder surgery shortly after being drafted, due to tweaking it during offseason drills.

Lawson would spend a season separately with the Dolphins in 2020, and the Jets in 2021, before returning to Buffalo this last season on a one-year deal worth $1.2 million.

Lawson stayed productive with 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks through 15 games.

Adding Lawson to the Browns’ defensive depth chart would bring an edge rusher who can be ferocious at times and a key backup to either Myles Garrett or Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. And he’d be able to prove his worth on a cheaper deal.

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Tematy: Football, NFL, Cleveland, Cleveland Browns

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