Cleveland Browns: 5 Safeties to sign to replace injured Grant Delpit

The Cleveland Browns lost Grant Delpit to injury, so how can they replace him?

The very definition of a post-hype sleeper coming into the 2020 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns were coming into the year sneakily ready to heavily compete not just for a playoff spot but in the postseason. And while their offensive additions were critical, they also shored up the defense, namely by landing safety Grant Delpit in the second round of the 2020 draft.

Delpit had first-round talent but his stock dwindled after playing the end of his LSU career with an ankle injury and with concerns about his lack of physicality/tackling ability. But when you looked at his physical tools and pre-injury tape, it was clear that Delpit could be an asset to a young Browns secondary. And he was showing that early in training camp. Unfortunately, it came to an abrupt halt.

During Monday’s practice, Delpit went down with a leg injury that saw him carted off the field. Initial fears were later confirmed as the Browns later reported that Delpit had suffered a torn Achilles that will require surgery and all but certainly end his rookie season before it ever began.

If Cleveland were to stand pat, they did sign veteran Andrew Sendejo this offseason, who could come in and fill Delpit’s role. However, the Browns still have ample cap space to work with if they wanted to bring in reinforcements, either as a starter or to back up Sendejo. Let’s take a look at five free agents the Browns could sign to replace Grant Delpit.

Note: All stats are via Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.

Reinforcements are needed for the Cleveland Browns at safety. These free agents would fit.

5. Reshad Jones

Going from Grant Delpit to Reshad Jones would be shocking for the simple fact that the replacement is 10 years the senior of the rookie safety. Having said that, if the Browns are looking for potential stability, then a dart throw at Jones would make sense.

With the Dolphins last year, as he had been for his entire career, Jones played under 200 defensive snaps as he struggled with injury. In the year prior, though, the veteran proved to still be a versatile player as he graded out as above average in every category according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Bringing in Jones comes with some risk as he is 32 years old and coming off an injury. However, if the Browns want to have veteran depth around Sendejo and newcomer Karl Joseph, they could do a lot worse than Jones, who will also likely come at a reasonable price.