The Cleveland Browns now must address the defensive line through free agency and the draft.
The defensive line was already going to be an area that the Cleveland Browns addressed this offseason. Add in the recent release of Adrian Clayborn and the level of urgency is just a bit higher.
Cleveland recently tendered Porter Gustin a contract so it is expected he will be on the roster next season. The Browns still have Myles Garrett as one of their starting defensive ends so they are more than set there. It is about finding someone to play on the opposite side of the line to pair with Garrett that they need.
The Browns still have to decide whether or not they want to bring back Olivier Vernon. There has not been anything connecting the two sides so it does not appear a reunion is in the works, although that could change. In a hypothetical world where Cleveland brings back Vernon, they would still need to add a starter since Vernon’s injury is expected to keep him out at the start of the year.
Approaches to fix the line
This is where Andrew Berry and his method he used to fix positions of need on offense comes into play. Last season Berry identified that the Browns needed help at tight end and at tackle. The Browns signed Austin Hooper and Jack Conklin in free agency while drafting Jedrick Wills Jr. and Harrison Bryant. Using that same philosophy could help them out tremendously.
Cleveland will have a little bit of cap room to play with, but they must still be careful when making free agent signings. A repeat of the deal given to Hooper simply cannot happen. The team must make additions that help their defense while being economically smart, something this front office should be capable of. After free agency they must couple their signings with a draft pick in order to attack their positions of need from both angles. This strategy also applies to defensive tackle, linebacker, cornerback and safety.
If for some reason the Browns duplicate their plan from last season when it comes to defensive it would be a disaster. Cleveland made a lot of short term signings and whiffed on most. There’s a way to capitalize on short term contention window while securing the future and this front office is more than capable of accomplishing that.
