So far we’ve covered potential free agents for the Browns at the Edge/DE, Safety and Cornerback. Today I’m going to take a look at the Interior Defensive Line position. This position group has numerous “what ifs” involved. First, the Browns have to decide what they’re going to do with DT Sheldon Richardson. Richardson is currently slated to make $13.7 million in 2021, the last year of his contract. Knowing the Browns are probably going to lose DT Larry Ogunjobi to free agency, restructuring and extending Richardson would make sense. But that’s up to Richardson and his agent. He is on his fourth team and will turn 31 during the 2021 season. Convert cap salary into up front cash and add one or two years. This gives a player financial security and future security. The Browns did the same with OT Chris Hubbard last year when they restructured him.
The other big question is J.J. Watt. Reports today are Watt is interested in signing with the Browns, however remember he has other teams on his list. Most NFL fans look at Watt as an Edge because of his sack totals, but he’s really a DT in the 4-3 scheme. If the Browns were to sign Watt and they may not be the front runner, but they do have a shot, then the team could concentrate on other defensive positions. The one thing I’ve learned about the Browns front office, they’ll make their pitch to a free agent with several contract options. If said free agent decides to take their time to decide, the Browns move on quickly. They’ll be aggressive with Watt, but won’t spend too much time on it, moving on to other free agents. ESPN said a dozen teams are interested in Watt and listed four of those teams. Buffalo, Tennessee, Green Bay and Cleveland. Of those four, only the Browns have the cap space at this time to sign anyone. So which IDL free agents not named Watt could the Browns sign? Here’s a short list.
Leonard Williams, New York Giants. Williams has been one of the most consistent and valuable interior defenders since 2015. Very good run defender who on occasion can provide an interior pass rush. He did have a career high 13 sacks in 2020. According to Spotrac his market value is $11.2 million per year on a five year contract.
Dalvin Tomlinson, New York Giants. A great run defender when playing the nose tackle position. He can finish off plays and has one of the best run stop percentage in the league. An average pass rusher. The Giants won’t be able to keep both Williams and Tomlinson. According to Spotrac his market value is $9.5 million per year on a four year deal.
Sheldon Rankins, New Orleans. I keep going to the well with the Saints because they will digging out of a cap hole till the start of free agency. Rankins has had injury problems. His best season was 2018. A solid run defender and a below average pass rusher. According to Spotrac his market value is $11.3 million per year on a four year contract.
Others to watch. Deatrich Wise, New England, Shelby Harris, Denver and Kawann Short, Carolina. Short was just released this morning, is a two-time Pro Bowler and has a career PFF grade of 91.6 (2013-2020). Here’s todays mockery of a draft.
26. Gregory Rousseau, Edge, Miami.
58. Jay Tufele, IDL, USC.
89. Amari Rogers, WR, Clemson.
91. Elijah Molden, CB, Washington.
111. Tariq Thompson, S, San Diego State.
131. Walter Little, OT, Stanford.
170. John Bates, TE, Boise State.
211. Rachad Wildgoose, CB, Wisconson.
248. Paddy Fisher, LB, Northwestern.
Today’s news will be dominated by J.J. Watt. The rumors were started by a Mary Kay Cabot tweet. I haven’t seen it because she blocked me last off-season. I got really tired of the “trade OBJ” narrative. I want everyone to temper their expectations. Watt has his list down to five teams and the Browns are one of them. My guess on the other four are Tampa, Colts, Titans and Seahawks only because Watt wants to win a ring. The Colts have the most money, but have a QB problem, they don’t have one. Tampa has less money available than the Browns but have 30 of their own free agents they have to deal with. The Seahawks have a little cap space ( $4.9 million), so they’ll have to clean up some cap room. The Titans have Mike Vrabel and are currently $3 million over the cap. They have to create room to sign their own free agents. Just the fact a big name free agent wants to come to Cleveland will warm the hearts of long time Browns fans like me. Lets do this AB. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.