The NFL offseason is almost over with training camp dates just around the corner. For the Cleveland Browns, NFL free agency hasn’t been an overly busy time but moves were made that GM Andrew Berry hopes will improve the team.
Browns fans also know that Berry is rarely inactive so NFL free agency is pretty much always in process.
Cleveland’s roster has an open spot after the release of DE Lonnie Phelps. We looked at other defensive ends and players that were on the Browns roster last year that could fill that spot.
Those aren’t the only options but the free agent market is not robust with players at this point in the offseason.
Pro Football Focus believes Berry should look to bring in more cornerback depth before training camp starts:
Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson Jr. are locked in as starters, but beyond them, there is concern. While Cameron Mitchell showed some flashes in his rookie season and Justin Hardee was signed in free agency, more talent is needed. Experienced players like Xavien Howard and Adoree’ Jackson are out there, as are cheaper options like Ahkello Witherspoon.
Howard has some serious charges against him that came out last month.
PFF had Witherspoon graded as the 112th cornerback last season while Jackson was all the way down at #197.
Beyond Ward, Newsome, Emerson, Mitchell and Hardee, the Browns roster includes Kahlef Hailassie, Myles Harden, Tony Brown II, Vincent Gray and Dyshawn Gales. Hailassie played in nine games for Cleveland last year with over 200 total snaps while Brown was added in free agency with Gales and Harden added as undrafted free agents.
Over the Cap currently has 17 cornerbacks left on the free-agent market but that includes Steven Nelson who retired last month.
Last year, the Browns kept six cornerbacks on their initial 53-man roster. With Ward, Newsome, Emerson and Mitchell seemingly locked into the top four spots, Cleveland has a lot of players angling for the final two spots.
Adding depth, as PFF suggests, might be helpful but seems unlikely at this point.