The Browns are off and running addressing team needs in free agency. The defensive line needed work, okay, sign four defensive linemen, so far. Created a hole at free safety with the release of John Johnson, III, no problem. Wanted to keep the continuity with the offensive line, okay you got it. Need to keep two key contributors on defense and special teams, check. Like I said, so far, so good.
Some in the Cleveland media, I’m looking at you Tony Grossi, are criticizing the Browns for their lack of a big swing signing. I thought there might be one as well. They were in on defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, but he picked the 49ers over the Browns. Actually, I’m shocked Browns GM Andrew Berry was willing to throw big money at the best DT in this year’s free agency. The signing of DT Dalvin Tomlinson makes me very happy. He’s a run stopper who can create pressure. Pressure up the middle so the pass rushers can clean up the mess. Speaking of pass rushers, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was high on my list. An ascending player who is just coming into his own. Five sacks in the last six games he played, including one against the Browns. Next came the free safety this team needed. Juan Thornhill was the guy I wanted. He’ll allow Grant Delpit to stay a strong safety, where he’s a better player. Here’s a link for an article I wrote Sunday, https://clesportstalk.com/ready-set-and-go/
The biggest shock was the resigning of center Ethan Pocic. I thought for sure he was gone because he was asking for $ 10 million a year. The Browns got him for a little more than $ 6 million. Today it was reported that tight end Jordan Akins is visiting Berea. Both made my wish list article for Clevelandsportstalk.com ,https://clesportstalk.com/my-offensive-free-agency-wish-list/. As for the other two defensive linemen, Maurice Hurst and Trysten Hill, they are both low risk, high reward signings. Both are very talented but injury prone. Will they make the team? I’ll wait to see their contracts. If they have guaranteed money, then they’re making the team. I was glad to see the resigning’s of A.J. Green and Sione Takitaki. Green is key backup and great special teamer. Takitaki played very well when he took over the middle linebacker spot. The team still needs to sign another LB. Either Anthony Walker or Reggie Ragland would be fine with me.
Other positions that need to be addressed are wide receiver (Mecole Hardeman or Trent Sherfield), backup QB (Josh Dobbs or Teddy Bridgewater) and possibly another DT (Matt Ioannidis). Right now, all Browns fans are on wide receiver watch. A trade is possible, but a signing makes more sense. Andrew Berry uses free agency to fill holes and to allow the team to be very fluid during the draft. Stay Safe and Go Browns.