NFL Free Agency Preview 2012: Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have plenty of money to spend this offseason, which is good news, as there are holes aplenty on the roster. They won’t be irresponsible with their spending – preferring instead a method of re-signing productive players already on the roster – but it’s common knowledge that they will try to make some noise in free agency.

For the Browns, they appear to be setting their sights on a few positions in free agency, including:

Wide Receiver – It’s no secret that the Browns have one of the weakest receiving corps in the NFL. Other than Greg Little, it’s a position that could stand to be completely revamped. The Browns won’t necessarily be searching for a No. 1 receiver in free agency, but they need a quality veteran who can get open, convert third downs, and teach a young group of receivers how to make it in the NFL.

Defensive End – Jabaal Sheard proved to be an excellent draft pick in his rookie season, as he compiled 8.5 sacks. But there are questions on the other side of the line, and in the 4-3 defense, pass-rushing defensive ends are a necessity. For the Browns, they need someone to complement Sheard in order to help take a young, tenacious defense to the next level.

Offensive Line – The right side of the offensive line has been a mess for the Browns in the past few seasons, and if they want to have any hope of improving their dismal offense, they must shore up that right side. With players like Joe Thomas and Alex Mack to build around, the Browns must figure out a way to develop an elite offensive line.

The Browns can certainly go in many directions in free agency, but these are three positions that have given them the most trouble in recent years and stand to be corrected. Fans shouldn’t expect the team to necessarily sign a superstar, because this front office isn’t about to break the bank on a player when its preference is to build through the draft. However, fans can expect the Browns to sign players who will bring some kind of depth to at least a couple of these incredibly thin positions.

Preview by Steve DiMatteo. To learn more about possible free agent candidates for the Browns, be sure to visit Dawg Pound Daily.