Cleveland Browns: 5 Potential 2018 free agent targets

The Cleveland Browns aren’t a team that’s likely to make a huge splash in free agency, but a few key signings could make a big difference for them.

The Cleveland Browns don’t have a great pitch to make to free agents. Yes, they have a ton of cap room and money they can throw at players, but so do a lot of teams. They also have what could looks like a lame duck coaching situation.

There’s an inherent risk in signing with the Browns as so often teams sign for coaches and understanding their fit on a team. That role may change or simply not exist in the event the Browns make a wholesale coaching change, so even if the money is good, taking slightly less money for more stability might be a common trend.

All of that said, there are players that the Browns might have a shot to get that can definitely help them. And if they can just get their top target and come away with a quarterback that can get them to the rookie they draft on the schedule they want, they’ll have been extremely successful, even if it didn’t come in the form of exciting, March winning style.

Trumaine Johnson, cornerback

The St. Louis Rams are hardly broke, but they do have a lot of decisions looming in terms on free agents. They franchised Johnson last year, so doing it again would come with an increased amount. As a result, Johnson is likely going to get to the open market and see just what he can get.

The Browns have a couple things working in their favor. Most of those things are money, but Johnson did enjoy a lot of success with Gregg Williams the past few seasons. Williams had as many interceptions just in 2015 (7) as the Browns as a team did in 2017.

Johnson has never been to the Pro Bowl or been named All-Pro or anything along those lines, but the Browns are certainly in position to pay him like he has. Johnson is 28 years old, so unless there are some opt clauses, the Browns should hopefully avoid a long term contract, but if they can lock Johnson up for three years for around $15 million per season with a lot of money up front and guaranteed, they could get themselves a legitimate top corner and improve their secondary substantially.

Matt Moore, quarterback

While people seem to be talking themselves into absurd amounts of money for the services of A.J. McCarron, Matt Moore has played more and been far more successful on the field in his journeyman career, mostly with the Miami Dolphins.

Perhaps Moore is perfectly happy to be a backup quarterback in South Beach, but in 11 NFL seasons, Moore has earned a little over $18 million. A couple seasons in Cleveland operating as a steadying presence while they get the rookie quarterback they select comfortable could easily double that number.

In eight games, five starts over the past two seasons, Moore has engineered two fourth quarter comebacks and had three game winning drives, which is two more than Hue Jackson has. Moore completed 62.1 percent of his passes, averaged 7.3 yards per attempt with 12 touchdowns against eight interceptions. Moore is no savior, but he’s a quarterback who has routinely overachieved when he’s been on the field.

Donte Moncrief, wide receiver

Moncrief is big, he’s strong and he’s fast. He’s had some injuries and inconsistency that have hurt him, but he’s going to turn just 25 years old in August. In 53 games with the Indianapolis Colts, Moncrief has caught 152 passes for 1,875 yards and 18 touchdowns.

It’s difficult to gauge what Moncrief’s market will be, but if the Browns are intent on adding more depth and particularly depth that has played, Moncrief has experience and upside. Given his size and strength at 6-2, 221 pounds, he can also provide some mismatches.

Albert Wilson seems like the more logical target given his relationship to John Dorsey, but he also has a relationship with Matt Nagy and the Chicago Bears have plenty of targets, money and a more stable quarterback situation.

Barkevious Mingo, edge rusher

Yes, the same Barkevious Mingo that didn’t work out as a first round pick in 2013 and was traded to the New England Patriots for a fifth round pick. Mingo has been very good as a role player for the Indianapolis Colts.

Mingo is still incredibly fast and he’s still able to do a bunch of specific jobs. A depth pass rusher that can fly off the edge or stand him up and let him fly at the quarterback on blitz. Mingo can also help in coverage and contribute on special teams.

Mingo can be a backup SAM linebacker as well as an edge defender, giving the Browns some versatility and potentially saving them a roster spot at the same time. And as much as people thought it was a laugh line when Mingo flew down on special teams, it worked and he helped them get a Super Bowl ring. Mingo may have no interest in signing with the Browns, but it could be a nice fit for both sides.

Chris Hubbard, offensive tackle

Hubbard represents the most logical free agent target in the event Joe Thomas decides to retire. The Pittsburgh Steelers have to do some gymnastics with their salary cap to make everything work just to keep Le’Veon Bell and they aren’t really in a position to pay a backup tackle a bunch of money to stick around.

Hubbard operated as the Steelers swingman and most of his experience has come on the right inside in relief of Marcus Gilbert. The Browns might take a run at Nate Solder, who is certainly more prototypical in terms of tackle play. Nothing about Hubbard is the prototype given he’s short for the position at 6-3.5 and he’s under 300 pounds. It certainly wouldn’t be new to steal a player from a divisional opponent with the hope of helping the team as well as hurting the opponent.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full two-round projection

Hubbard isn’t flashy and he’s not likely to get a massive deal, but if the Browns don’t trust having Spencer Drango for an entire year and don’t trust a rookie to come in and play it, Hubbard makes a lot of sense.

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