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5 free agents the Cleveland Browns could still pursue

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 12: Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots reacts against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 12: Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots reacts against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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They were one of the more disappointing teams in 2021. Now the revamped Cleveland Browns look to rebound courtesy of a very busy offseason.

It’s an organization that hasn’t had a lot of success since returning to the NFL as an expansion team in 1999. The Cleveland Browns have posted just three winning seasons in the last 23 years and reached the playoffs only twice over that span.

There was a lot of excitement about this time a year ago as the Browns were coming off an 11-5 showing and its first postseason appearance since 2002. Kevin Stefanski was named NFL Coach of the Year.

There was a wild card win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. And the Browns put up quite the fight against the Super Bowl-bound Chiefs before succumbing, 22-17, in the divisional round.

After a heartbreaking loss at Kansas City in Week 1 of 2021, the team won three straight games. This looks like a balanced club and one capable of building off its 2020 showing.

But a lot would go wrong the rest of the way for numerous reasons. Quarterback Baker Mayfield played the majority the season injured and a rebuilt defense was erratic. The result was an 8-9 mark and a third-place finish in the AFC North.

It’s a new year and there will be a new starting quarterback (eventually) in Deshaun Watson. The franchise gave up plenty to get him in terms of draft choices. So general manager Andrew Berry could turn back to free agency to fill some holes.

Here are five suggestions for a team that still has some money to spend (via Spotrac).

5 free agents the Cleveland Browns could still add in 2022

Cleveland Browns
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 05: Jimmy Graham #80 of the Chicago Bears makes a catch for a two point conversion against the azat Soldier Field on December 05, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 33-22. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5. TE Jimmy Graham (Chicago Bears)

It seemed like an odd move. In 2020, the Cleveland Browns gave big money to two-time Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper, who began his career with the Atlanta Falcons. In two seasons with Cleveland, he totaled a combined 84 receptions for 780 yards and seven scores.

Meanwhile, former first-round draft choice David Njoku has had his issue staying healthy during his five-year stay with the organization. Still, the team decided to re-sign Njoku and parted ways with Hooper (now with the Titans).

It’s not a huge area of need, but could the Browns take a shot at adding veteran Jimmy Graham? He is coming off a year in which he totaled a career-low 14 receptions, but three went for scores.

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