8 Browns Free Agent Targets That Won't Break the Bank
The Cleveland Browns have a number of needs to address, almost all of which will be on the defensive side of the ball. In his tenure as general manager, Andrew Berry has used free agency to address the vast majority of the team's holes, allowing the team to use the NFL Draft to focus on adding talent.
Brad Spielberger came out with his free agency preview for Pro Football Focus, complete with his top 100 ranked free agents and projected contracts for them. His projections for contracts are as good as anyone. Hardly perfect, they are almost always in the ballpark and provide a good sense of how the market will play out, making it a useful shopping tool.
The Browns are going to have a decent amount of money to operate. Even if they attempt to go add another impact player, they may not be able to land one and the majority of the signings the Browns will make will be economical. With new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns want to be a top defense, but if they can simply be an average but consistent defense, they should be good enough to make the postseason.
With that in mind, here are eight targets on defense that stand out as good fits for the Browns in filling out the defense.
EDGE Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Houston Texans
Contract Projection: Two years, $11 million ($5.5M per year); $6.75 million total guaranteed
Okoronkwo is another player that seems like he could re-sign before free agency starts. The hire of DeMeco Ryans might increase the likelihood. However, if the former Oklahoma Sooner decides to hit free agency, he could have a ton of suitors.
An undersized, designated pass rusher, Okoronkwo has consistently provided a ton of value for his team. He defeats blockers and generates pressure at a high rate. That helped him turn in a season-high five sacks this past season. On a better defense, he could see another jump in production.
The fact that the Browns have a player like Alex Wright and will likely be in the market for another defensive end is important. That would allow the Browns to pick his spots and maximize his efficiency as a pass rusher.
EDGE Lorenzo Carter, Atlanta Falcons
Contract Projection: Two years, $12 million ($6M per year); $6.75 million total guaranteed
Carter is eerily similar to Takkarist McKinley in what he could offer the Browns. Coincidentally, another former Falcon, Carter has a prototypical size with speed that could cause problems coming off the edge and give the Browns someone to put pressure on quarterbacks who can create with their legs.
Carter could be a pass rushing specialist off the bench. He has a combined nine sacks in his previous two season and if he can take another step forward, he could be a steal.
NT A'Shawn Robinson, Los Angeles Rams
Contract Projection: One year, $2.5 million; $1.5 million total guaranteed
The Browns desperately need a run-stopping nose and Robinson could be the most economical option. There's virtually no incentive for him to return to the Rams and he's going to be 28 years old this coming season.
The only hitch with Robinson is that he suffered a torn meniscus that cut his season short. His ability to sign a contract will be dependent on his ability to pass a physical, so it could take some patience to land Robinson. Still, he's a massive space eater with long arms that could immediately provide credibility on the defensive interior and help protect their linebackers.
DT Sheldon Rankins, New York Jets
Contract Projection: Two years, $12 million ($6M per year); $8 million total guaranteed
Rankins has done well for himself with the Jets the past two seasons and he's coming off a productive year. It may prove difficult for the Jets to keep him given the sheer amount of personnel they have up front.
Rankins definitely benefited by playing on a team with such a loaded defensive line group with tremendous depth. It would be inherent for the Browns to avoid asking him to be a hero on their defensive front. Rankins could provide a big boost for them, but they must have a productive unit around him.
DT Matt Ioannidis, Carolina Panthers
Contract Projection: Two years, $13 million ($6.5M per year); $7.5 million total guaranteed
In his past two seasons, one with the Washington Commanders and one with the Carolina Panthers, Ioannidis has registered at least 34 pressures per PFF. If Schwartz wants a player that excels at being an up field penetrator, he could be a good fit. It's unclear if Ioannidis is more inclined to remain with the Panthers or sign elsewhere with the coaching changes that organization has made.
Much like Rankins, Ioannidis has benefited from playing as part of two strong defensive lines. It's important to make him part of an ensemble effort as opposed to relying on him to carry his teammates.
DT Poona Ford, Seattle Seahawks
Contract Projection: Two years, $12.5 million ($6.25M per year); $7.5 million total guaranteed
Ford stands out as the most likely to be re-signed. Should he make it into free agency, he's an excellent leverage player that could cause problems from the three-tech for the Browns. Short, Ford has decently long arms and plays with terrific pad level to disrupt the offense. Even though he's under six foot, he's dense at around 310 pounds, which could help with the Browns run defense.
Coming off a down year by his standards, Ford could represent a value for the team that signs him.
S Juan Thornhill, Kansas City Chiefs
Contract Projection: Two years, $11 million ($5.5M per year); $6 million total guaranteed
As someone who wanted the Browns to draft Thornhill out of Virginia in the 2019 NFL Draft when then general manager John Dorsey decided to select Greedy Williams, It certainly wouldn't hurt my feelings to see him end up on the Browns now.
There is some inconsistency with Thornhill at times, but he's able to contribute as a true free safety as well as being able to play some man coverage. The biggest benefit with Thornhill is he could be signed for a couple seasons to provide some continuity in the secondary.
Hopefully, Thornhill decides to test out free agency. The only potential problem is that between his age and position, he could end up getting far more than is projected. That's a bidding war the Browns would probably rather avoid.
S Duron Harmon, Las Vegas Raiders
Contract Projection: One year, $1.75 million; $825,000 total guaranteed
The Raiders defense was horrendous, but Harmon had a good year in coverage as their free safety, which is exactly what the Browns need. He's reputed to be a leader that could take control of the back end of the defense.
In his past four seasons, all with different teams, Harmon has produced two interceptions and five pass deflections. The projected cost is also in the Browns wheelhouse, which is why this could be a perfect fit.
