Eric Metcalf Details the Biggest Need For the Browns in the Offseason

Eric Metcalf breaks down which position need is the greatest for the Browns.

Every NFL team is entering the offseason in hopes of landing free agents that can immediately make their team better. While there are plenty of young players in the draft, veteran FAs offer plenty of upside, especially those star players looking for better contracts. 

The Cleveland Browns had one of the scariest defenses in the 2023 season, mainly because of DPOTY Myles Garrett. Garrett secured 14 sacks and 4 forced fumbles on the year. While he was a force, he needs some help with the pass rush, according to Eric Metcalf of Dawg Check. 

"I do [believe Browns need an edge rusher], because you're talking about Miles and he was Defensive Player of the Year, but his sacks were down from other guys who could have possibly won this award So if you don't have that other guy, it might be even more because then you're able to double team him more and let running backs and tight ends chip on him more."

via Eric Metcalf, Dawg Check

Metcalf is alluding to the immense amount of double teams that Garrett received while trying to chase down opposing QBs. Despite only securing 14 sacks, that is why Garrett won the DPOTY. He still managed to get that many sacks while dealing with double teams all season. 

That is how dominating Garrett can be. However, he will also not be able to move and get around those double teams unless the Browns find another edge rusher that can help Garrett get to his target. 

"It doesn't have to be 19 sacks because his 14 or 15 sacks can still be disruptive as long as somebody is on the other side doing their job and getting close to double-digits as well."

via Eric Metcalf, Dawg Check

Metcalf is right. If the Browns had an edge rusher that was around 8-10 sacks, it would make this pass rush even more immensely powerful. The issue is the team is near the bottom in terms of available cap space. 

The Browns are currently -$20 million, but a few roster moves could lead them to hire a free agent who could help Garrett and the entire defense.