Browns Host Another Free Agent Edge Rusher Knowing Defensive Line Is Thin

Multiple injuries and lack of depth on the defensive line have led Cleveland to host multiple free agents for visits, including this player on Wednesday.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser (54) signals a first down pick up during the third quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jaguars edged the Ravens 28-27. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Cleveland Browns might have real depth issues on the defensive line heading into the preseason and are looking to add a player to help fill in that void.

With the injury bug making its way through training camp on defense for the Browns, they need to address the issue as soon as possible. One way the Browns are looking to address it is by adding a free agent edge rusher.

After Cleveland hosted Jadeveon Clowney a couple of weeks ago, it was clear that the Browns wanted to add a player to fix their depth issues. Now, free agent edge rusher Tyus Bowser is working out with the team on Wednesday.

Veteran edge Tyus Bowser, who last played for the Miami Dolphins in 2024, worked out today for the Cleveland Browns.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 12, 2026

It’s clear that the Browns are interested in bringing in a veteran on the defensive line to fill in after recent injuries have limited their current players. Here’s what signing Bowser would mean in regard to Cleveland’s lack of depth.

Bowser’s visit indicates Cleveland’s acknowledgement of thin defensive line

Oct 20, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Tyus Bowser (51) shoves Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) out of bounds Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStar USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

There has been a plethora of training camp injuries that have led to the Browns defensive line being so thin, none that are threatening as of now, but it’s still an issue either way.

Over the last week of training camp, the Browns have had to mix some things up by upgrading some of their second and third team players to the first team defense. That was when it became glaringly obvious there was a depth issue.

Now, with Tyus Bowser visiting Cleveland and working out for the team, it seems like they’re more than willing to sign a player or two to help with that heading into the preseason. This will give their coaching staff a better idea of what they have to work with before the regular season.

Bowser hasn’t played a regular season game since the 2024 season when he was with the Miami Dolphins but has had a productive career even after being unsigned last season.

Aug 27, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser (54) runs across the field during the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports

It’s been since 2021 that Bowser played a full season and hasn’t put up near the defensive numbers since his time with the Baltimore Ravens. In 2021, Bowser had 59 total tackles, 33 solo tackles, with seven sacks and two forced fumbles. 

That was by far his best season of his eight-year career and had only mustered two sacks the following season before seeing a significant drop off in production and playing time. 

Now at age 31, Bowser is still looking to make an impact in any given role with an NFL team, and his next may be the Cleveland Browns. If his workout goes well, he could wind up helping out on their thin defensive line that is still missing a few key players at training camp.

Bowser’s signing would allow for players like Adin Huntington and Elijah Chatman to continue seeing reps at defensive tackle while Mike Hall Jr. continues to work back from injury.

Maliek Collins is still on the PUP list, so this saga could continue into the regular season, but all eyes are on the preseason first. Cleveland’s first preseason game is this Saturday against the Chicago Bears, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m.