Cleveland Browns: 4 Potential free agent targets in 2019

Even if the Cleveland Browns don’t go after the big name targets in free agency, they can still get better, put themselves in better position to win the division.

The Cleveland Browns enter 2019 free agency with some opportunities to add some quality players to what they are already building, but the indication coming from general manager John Dorsey is they aren’t going to be the crazy spenders that some elements of fans might be hoping. There’s a real possibility that the acquisition of Olivier Vernon may well be the “big” move, but that doesn’t mean the Browns can’t sign players that make them better.

Much of what the Browns have had success with in free agency was actually smaller deals on mid-tier free agents and some cheap, prove it deals that worked out. Arguably, their biggest misses were on guys they paid out the most money. Chris Hubbard and T.J. Carrie were two of the biggest contract the Browns signed and while they were beneficial, there’s a real question if they are worth what they are being paid.

On the flip side, Terrance Mitchell, despite missing time with a broken wrist, was a nice pick up and a valuable addition that helped set the tone for the defense early in the year. Obviously, they got substantial value out of players like Darren Fells, Breshad Perriman and Greg Robinson even though Fells has been released and Perriman may not be back.

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The Browns could look for similar impact, trying to get a few players that contribute longer term while still taking shots on some former high draft picks that might be had on the cheap.

Rodney Gunter, Defensive Tackle

It’s no secret the Browns biggest need is at defensive tackle and specifically the 3-tech. They also hired Steve Wilks to be their defensive coordinator after his one-year stint as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. One of the players that had a very nice year under Wilks was Gunter. Gunter is 27 years old, coming off his rookie deal and if the Cardinals are unable to lock him up before free agency starts, he may be open to going elsewhere and may not be terribly expensive.

Ideally suited to be a role player and rotational defensive tackle, Gunter played 57.49 percent of the Cardinals defensive snaps this past year, starting 10 games and chipped in 4.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. That is Gunter’s best season to date and he may like the idea of having another opportunity to play for Wilks. Meanwhile, Wilks would get a player who already knows his system on his new team. Perhaps just starting to come into his own, the Browns could get what are Gunter’s prime years at a nice contract figure that woks for them and for Gunter.

Jesse James, Tight End

James came into the league at a very young age, so he’s still just 24 years old and will turn 25 in June. James has all the length and size that the newly departed Fells had, but with more receiving ability. James was getting more and more involved in the passing game with the Steelers, but some of that was muted by the addition of Vance McDonald, who had an outstanding year in Pittsburgh.

James was actually targeted less this year than in the two previous, but his efficiency skyrocketed. Between 2016 and 2017, James was targeted 123 times, had 82 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns. In 2018, James only had 39 targets but caught 30 of them for 423 yards and a pair of scores.

Between the acquisition and shift to McDonald and the Steelers having little excess cap to sign a player like James, he might be on the move. If the Browns like what Fells had to offer as a blocker and just want more in terms of receiving ability, James might be exactly what they are looking to add.

Malcom Brown, Nose Tackle

Brown was extremely productive coming out of Texas and played really well early in his career with the New England Patriots. It’s unclear why he hasn’t been as good in recent years, but Bill Belichick still trusted him to do his job, having him play 43.72 percent of snaps.

The Browns need a nose to help lighten the load on Larry Ogunjobi. Brown is more than equipped to do that and if he’s only getting around 30 to 35 percent of the snaps, the hope is he’s giving everything he has on those reps. He can help Ogunjobi stay fresher and play on more downs that have a chance to be passes.

Much with Brown would depend on John Dorsey and the Browns meeting with him and getting a sense for who he is and what drives him and he may not be a good fit in that respect. He’s got ideal size and movement skills to play in an even front as a nose, because he can work down the line of scrimmage and he does have some pass rushing ability, though it hasn’t shown up recently.

The other possibility is the Browns bring back Danny Shelton. He is a good run defender and Joe Schobert was a better run defender when Shelton was here than this past year.

Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver

If Drew Rosenhaus insists on repeating the same mistake he made with Breshad Perriman that he did with Terrelle Pryor, resulting in leaving Cleveland, the Browns may still want a speed threat. Dorsett is 26 years old, has the speed to be effective over the top and is somewhat devalued after his time with the Patriots.

Occasionally, Dorsett would have a nice game, but on the whole, the Patriots barely use them. Whether that’s a function of Brady’s arm getting a little weaker and not wanting to go deep or simply having better chemistry with other receivers, Dorsett could be a player that’s not unlike Perriman was coming out of Baltimore. This past season, Dorsett had just 32 receptions for 290 yards, but did have three touchdowns.

Mayfield has the ability to take advantage of his deep speed and Freddie Kitchens has shown the ability to scheme opportunities for splash plays. Dorsett may be cheap and could be more effectively utilized with Mayfield than Brady at this stage of his career.