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Cleveland Browns: Five free agents to target

By A.J. Fagerlin

Nov 7, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Akiem Hicks, Cleveland Browns
Oct 26, 2020; Inglewood, California, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end, and Cleveland Browns target, Akiem Hicks (96) pressures Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle. 4. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Chicago Bears. Akiem Hicks. player. 53

Last season, the Cleveland Browns signed veteran defensive tackle, Malik Jackson, to a one-year deal. Jackson was serviceable for the interior of the Cleveland Browns defense, but by no means did he light the world on fire, and will likely be searching for another home in 2021.

Given some off-the-field issues, other starting defensive tackle, Malik McDowell, may not be back in 2022 either, so the Cleveland Browns have a glaring need at the position. Bringing in another veteran will be key to the team’s success in 2022 and the development of the younger pieces of their defensive line.

Tommy Togiai and Jordan Elliott are fine players who should continue to grow, but neither are sure-fire starters. A guy like Akiem Hicks would be a complete game-changer. Although he missed nearly half the season in 2021 due to injury, Hicks was still very effective in his nine games, even at 32 years old.

Hicks has always been an elite run stopper, which is something that the Cleveland Browns have been in need of for quite some time. He is also an excellent penetrator as an interior pass rusher, who can beat, guards, centers and tackles no matter where he lines up. A veteran presence in the defensive tackle room is incredibly important and should be a high priority for Andrew Berry this offseason.

Cleveland Browns. Jadeveon Clowney. Scouting Report. Defensive End. 3. player. 53. Pick Analysis

One of the most important moves for the Cleveland Browns this offseason is to ensure that they have an effective pass rusher alongside of Myles Garrett. Last season, Jadeveon Clowney filled that role, and did a great job. He is at the top of my list to do the same in 2022, and maybe even going forward.

The former first overall pick has had a very tough time finding a home in the NFL. He had some effective time in Houston, but after his departure from the team that drafted him, Jadeveon Clowney struggled to stay healthy and could not find traction in Seattle or Tennessee. Last season he signed a one-year deal with Cleveland and found a way to make a big impact on a defense again.

If I were Andrew Berry, I would be eager to keep the duo of Clowney and Garrett together. While the market for Clowney may become a little too rich for the Cleveland Browns I think the two sides should work together for him to stay put. The Browns need a player like him for the success of their defensive line on all three downs, and Clowney has found a place where he can be impactful for the first time in years. It is a great match that should stay together at least for the next few seasons.

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