Who is the top free agent target for the Browns?

By: Jake Rajala

The Cleveland Browns recently made the blockbuster trade to acquire the elite, controversial quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns will surely not take their foot off the pedal, as they aim to win a Super Bowl with Watson, Myles Garrett, and Nick Chubb (in his prime).

The Browns will also be an attractive destination for free agents as they showcase the gifted Watson at QB. With that said, here are a few free agents that Andrew Berry could soon lure to Cleveland.

• Odell Beckham Jr. (jealous ex)

The polarizing OBJ is reportedly interested in joining the Browns, according to Bleacher Report. Beckham Jr. would look to exploit defenses with the crisp wideout in Amari Cooper. If the Browns showcased Chubb, Cooper, Hunt, and OBJ, the Browns would look a lot like the 2021 LA Rams.

It would be a risk for the cap-strapped Browns to cough up money for the injured OBJ right now, but a potential mutual agreement on a cheaper than expected agreement from OBJ might make the Browns feel more comfortable with his injury.

• Sammy Watkins

There has been speculation that the Browns could target a deep-threat for Watson. I’d love to see the Browns ink the speed-demon Sammy Watkins on a “prove-it deal” rather than sign Will Fuller for a more expensive contract. Watson could help Watkins potentially bounce back and unveil a career season in 2022. He would absolutely be an interesting WR3 with Cooper and OBJ, as he would offer a unique skill set.

The Chiefs gave the former Browns WR Josh Gordan a shot and now it might be time for the Browns to give the former Chiefs WR the golden ticket.

• Carlos Dunlap

It may be poetic to see Jadeveon Clowney return to the Browns, but I don’t expect them to be able to afford Clowney at this point. Clowney, who was in Cleveland shorter than OBJ, will likely get an astronomical contract elsewhere in my opinion.

I believe it would be smart to add a veteran edge rusher cheaper than Clowney and then draft a pass rusher early in the 2022 or 2023 NFL draft. Dunlap might be 33 years old, but he had 8.5 sacks last season. Dunlap may be more productive and even more reliable than Clowney, as he’s only missed three games since 2013.