Cleveland Browns: Six Free Agents to Chase

By CJ Oliver | Mar 14, 2015

The Cleveland Browns have been relatively quiet in the initial days of free agency. The signing of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brian Hartline is the most notable move so far. Although free agent signings will continue throughout the year, the initial frenzy is now winding down. Most of the big ticket players are spoken for.

That doesn’t mean there are no opportunities left to pick up quality parts for your team – and this is the best time to do it. This weekend will cause remaining free agents to begin to worry and for prices to drop. Now is the time to make some moves for the best of the rest.

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So, who is still available that would best fit the Browns’ plans?

Charles Clay, TE – A few days ago it seemed certain that the Miami Dolphins would re-sign Clay under the transition tag. Thursday night the Dolphins signed former Brown Jordan Cameron to a 2-year, $15 million deal, as reported by James Walker of ESPN. Might a tight end trade be in order?

The Buffalo Bills have also been shopping for Clay’s services, but Clay did agree to visit Cleveland. He has nine touchdowns and 1,364 yards over the last two seasons. More importantly, he doesn’t carry Jordan Cameron’s injury history or his dislike of the organization. The Browns should be able to outbid the Bills, considering all the other commitments the Bills have made this year – LeSean McCoy, Percy Harvin and Matt Cassel just to name a few.

Rob Housler, TE – If the Browns lose on the Charles Clay sweepstakes, they can pick up Housler as a consolation prize. He’s not as good of a run blocker but he’s speedier and more agile than Clay.

Vince Wilfork, DL – Wilfork isn’t an every down player anymore, but he’s one of the smartest defenders around. The 2014 Browns were dead last in the NFL on run defense and stopping the run happens to be Wilfork’s specialty. The presence of another well-respected veteran player in the locker room is a bonus.

As Mary Kay Cabot reported, new defensive coordinator Ray Horton plans to run a 3-4 defense, the type in which Wilfork excels. There will be some stiff competition for his services, especially from his current team, the New England Patriost. The Browns might be able to provide more compensation than the Patriots can cough up.

Jan 29, 2015; Chandler, AZ, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (75) speaks to reporters during the New England Patriots press conference at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Williams, DT – The former Viking revived his career on a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks last season. Like Wilfork, he’s a run-stuffing specialist that could immediately improve the Browns defensive line in running situations.

Joe Barksdale, T – Current Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is a steady presence, but there’s no depth behind him. He was also a pick for now-departed offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme. Barksdale could be a cheap acquisition to provide flexibility and depth for the offensive line. If Barksdale excels, Schwartz can move to right guard. If Schwartz or right guard John Greco go down, Barksdale can plug and play.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB – The Browns have a pair of talented young runners in Isaiah Crowell and Terrence West. What they’re missing is the veteran presence to help mold one or both of them into well-rounded stars. With both Crowell and West angling for time on the field, Bradshaw’s durability issues are much less of a factor than they would be with a team looking to feature him. Last season Bradshaw showed he still has gas in the tank when he doesn’t have to be the sole driver.

Will any of these predictions come to pass over the weekend? We’ll be eager to see what Monday brings.

Next: Browns Make Smart Free Agency Moves

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