Franchise tags will heavily Cleveland Browns 2019 free agency options
The Cleveland Browns are likely going to be aggressive this offseason, but the NFL’s franchise tag rule could take two of their top options off the market.
The Cleveland Browns are going to spend this offseason getting much, much better. Or at least, that’s the plan. With the fourth-most cap space in the league, the Browns have all the money in the world, and will probably want to make a splash signing this spring. After being so bad, for so long, and never having any use for their cap space, the Browns’ patience will finally be rewarded.
Or more accurately, the Browns hope their patience will be rewarded. For as middling as their record was in 2018, at 7-8-1, the Browns don’t seem to have a ton of holes on the roster. Sure, they need to fill out depth, but depth issues don’t warrant a massive free agency signing. However, there is a gaping hole in Cleveland’s roster on the defensive line across from Myles Garrett.
Emmanuel Ogbah and Larry Ogunjobi are okay, but Cleveland needs another bookend defender on the front four. On the other hand, it’s unlikely that the Browns will spend a high pick on such a position, especially with “consensus” pick Jeffery Simmons suffering an ACL injury. Two names that immediately come to mind are free agent defenders Grady Jarrett and Demarcus Lawrence.
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Jarrett has been a terrific defensive tackle throughout his four-year career with the Atlanta Falcons. A fantastic run-stopper, Jarrett could be the playmaking defensive tackle, and the fourth man to complete Cleveland’s defensive line.
Lawrence, on the other hand, would be a serious upgrade from Emmanuel Ogbah. The 26-year old could be a great complementary piece to Garrett, and likely free him up for even more production in 2019.
Lawrence may be able to leave the Cowboys this offseason, but there are reports they want to sign him to a long-term deal, rather than franchise tagging him. The real problem for the Browns comes with Jarrett.
He is almost certain to get tagged, and the Browns will likely have to look elsewhere for their defensive tackle needs. This is a good year to buy a pass rush, so the Browns have plenty of options, but Jarrett and Lawrence getting tagged or signed could severely limit their options.
If either Jarrett or Lawrence (or both) escape the franchise tag, and actually hit the free agent market, the Browns should be jumping at the chance to sign either of them. There are only so many players of their caliber in the NFL, and the Browns need all the talent they can get to put them over the top and into the playoffs.
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Cleveland is so close to making a playoff push for 2019 and beyond, but there are still a few holes left before they can hit the big time. John Dorsey and Cleveland’s front office should keep their fingers crossed that the franchise tag is kind to their efforts this offseason.