Browns go bargain hunting for D-Line depth

The Cleveland Browns have dove into the bargain bin when it comes to adding depth to their defensive line.

After making some signings that will ultimately raise the floor of the Cleveland Browns defense, the team has decided to go bargain hunting. Cleveland has agreed to deals with Maurice Hurst and Trysten Hill.

In the grand scheme of things these are signings which more than likely will not amount to much of anything. Injuries have prevented Hurst from playing as he last played in 2021, last appeared in more than two games in 2020, and last saw more than 39% of snaps in 2019. Hill has also seen his time limited due to injuries, appearing in just 18 games over his first three seasons before a career-high 12 in 2022. It was only 228 defensive snaps for Hill split between Dallas and Arizona last season.

The approach from the Browns time around appears to be different from those of the past two seasons. Cleveland counted on bargain signings to be key players defensively previously only for it to blow up in their face (Taven Bryan, Malik Jackson, Malik McDowell). If the approach is to have Hurst and Hill challenge for spots on the bottom of the depth chart that is fine. If they are viewed as key pieces that is a different story entirely. A story which could have an unhappy ending for those involved in the decision making process.