Veteran Free-Agent Contracts Browns Must Consider Before Training Camp

The Cleveland Browns will begin training camp for the 2022 season on July 27, but the team's roster will look a bit different than it did for the 2021 finale.

It's been a fairly eventful offseason for the Browns, which have brought in impact players such as quarterback Deshaun Watson and wide receiver Amari Cooper, assembled a solid rookie class through the NFL draft and re-signed defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.

Now, Cleveland's focus is on getting back to the playoffs for the second time in three years after not making it last season.

There's no guarantee the Browns are done making moves, though. With a month to go until camp, they could still sign a veteran player or two, especially with some significant names still available in free agency.

Here's a look at several players who Cleveland should still consider signing before training camp.

Linval Joseph, DT

AP Photo/Gail Burton

Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Linval Joseph runs on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 34-6. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

The Browns are set on the ends of their defensive line with Clowney and Myles Garrett, but they could still use a boost on the interior.

Their current group of defensive tackles includes Jordan Elliott, free-agent acquisition Taven Bryan and rookie Perrion Winfrey, along with several other returning depth players.

If Cleveland wants a dominant defensive front, it could benefit from adding a veteran anchor in the middle. One of the best tackles remaining on the market is Linval Joseph, who has played for three teams during his 12-year NFL career.

The 33-year-old has spent the past two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and continues to play at a consistently strong level. He has 644 tackles in 171 career games, having made 162 starts (including 28 for the Chargers between 2020 and 2021).

Although Joseph may have recorded only one sack during his time in Los Angeles, he's still a great veteran presence to have on a defensive line. So, he could be a strong leader for Cleveland to bring in on that side of the ball.

Will Fuller V, WR

AP Photo/WIlfredo Lee

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Will Fuller V (3) warms up before an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/WIlfredo Lee)

Outside of Cooper, the Browns' receiving corps doesn't have a lot of proven players. They'll be hoping to get increased production out of wide receivers such as Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jakeem Grant Sr. (a free-agent acquisition), while rookie David Bell could quickly have a sizable role on offense.

If any of those receivers struggle, though, Cleveland could be in some trouble regarding its passing attack. That's why it should strongly consider bringing in a proven playmaker who can take some of the attention off Amari Cooper and ensure it will consistently be able to move the ball through the air.

Will Fuller V could be a great wide receiver for the Browns to take a chance on, especially because he might sign at a low cost after being limited to two games last season (his lone year with the Miami Dolphins) due to injuries. he may be a low-risk, high-reward signing for whichever team brings him in.

Plus, the 28-year-old has already caught passes from Watson in the past. The two were teammates in Houston from 2017-20, and Fuller had the best year of his career in 2020, when he recorded 53 catches for 879 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games.

There's a chance Fuller won't be able to stay healthy and won't put up those types of numbers again. But if he does, he could take Cleveland's offense to another level.

Julio Jones, WR

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Julio Jones (2) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

If the Browns want to make a potentially bigger splash this summer, maybe they should target Julio Jones instead of Fuller.

Even though Jones is now 33 and possibly past his prime, he may still be poised for a bounce-back season after a disappointing 2021 campaign.

The Alabama product, who spent the first 10 years of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, was traded to the Tennessee Titans last June. Then, he had only 31 receptions for 434 yards and one touchdown in 10 games, leading to him getting released in March.

A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection, he will be looking to prove he still has plenty left in the tank in 2022. And because of his track record, it may cost a little more for a team to sign him than some of the other remaining free-agent receivers.

If Jones stays healthy, though, he may play closer to the way he did from 2014-19, when he had at least 1,394 receiving yards in each of those seasons. That would be a huge boost to Cleveland's passing offense, and it could then have a potent duo in Cooper and Jones.