Free-Agent Contracts Browns Must Pursue After Preseason

When the Cleveland Browns take the field Sunday for their 2022 opener against the Carolina Panthers, their team will look quite a bit different from last season. That will particularly be the case for the offense, which underwent a good bit of change over the offseason.

Baker Mayfield is no longer the quarterback (in fact, he'll be starting for the Panthers). And with Deshaun Watson suspended for the first 11 games, Jacoby Brissett will be under center for the Browns. Among the other new faces on the field will be Amari Cooper, who is now Cleveland's No. 1 wide receiver.

But it's also possible the Browns may still have a move or two to make before starting the season. Even though their roster has been cut down to 53 players, they (like all NFL teams) will keep looking for possible ways they can improve their team moving forward.

With that in mind, here are several free-agent players who Cleveland may want to consider targeting this week (or potentially further down the line).

Linval Joseph, DT

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Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Linval Joseph (98) during warmups before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

Entering the regular season, the Browns are relying on some unproven youngsters at defensive tackle. Jordan Elliott, Tommy Togiai and Perrion Winfrey are all 24 or younger, while Taven Bryan is the most experienced of the group at 26.

Considering Cleveland has Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney on the ends, the defensive line has the potential to be one of its biggest strengths. However, that may not be the case if several of those defensive tackles underperform. That's why the Browns should still consider signing a veteran DT, such as Linval Joseph, who remains a free agent.

Joseph is a 12-year NFL veteran and two-time Pro Bowler who would bring a veteran presence to the interior of Cleveland's defensive line. He's played 171 games and made 162 starts, and he's continued to play at a productive level, as he had 57 tackles and a sack in 14 games last season for the Los Angeles Chargers.

If the Browns hope to get back to the playoffs for the second time in three seasons, they need to make all areas of their team as strong as possible, which could include signing an older player to a short-term deal. Joseph may not have a long future ahead of him, but he would make Cleveland's defense better in 2022.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR

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BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Emmanuel Sanders #1 of the Buffalo Bills scores a touchdown against Joejuan Williams #33 of the New England Patriots during the third quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2022 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Another position on the Browns' roster filled with unproven players is wide receiver. Although Cooper has shown the potential to be one of the top playmakers in the league, Cleveland doesn't have many experienced players behind him on the depth chart.

If the young receivers who the Browns are relying on to play well end up underperforming, their offense could be in some trouble, especially early on when Brissett is at quarterback. So it may be beneficial for Cleveland to add one more veteran playmaker to the mix.

Emmanuel Sanders is one of the most experienced wide receivers still on the free-agent market, and the 35-year-old could be a solid addition to the Browns' offense. A 12-year NFL veteran, Sanders has put up consistent numbers for much of the past decade, including last year, when he had 42 catches for 626 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games for the Buffalo Bills.

Like Joseph, Sanders isn't a player who Cleveland could build around for numerous years. But he's the type of playmaker who could come in on a one-year contract and provide veteran leadership at a position that may be able to use it.

Dede Westbrook, WR

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KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 27: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Dede Westbrook (89) before an NFL preseason game between the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs on Aug 27, 2021 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Browns were likely going to rely on free-agent acquisition Jakeem Grant heavily in the return game this season. Then, Grant suffered a torn Achilles tendon during training camp, so he'll miss the entire 2022 campaign.

Demetric Felton Jr. should now have opportunities as a returner, but he's also a valuable player to have on offense. Plus, it's always nice to have numerous options in the return game. So Cleveland should try to add another speedy player who could be in the mix.

Dede Westbrook could potentially fill that role. The 28-year-old has tremendous speed and return experience, as he's returned 69 punts and seven kickoffs during his five-year NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings.

Even if Westbrook didn't end up contributing much at wide receiver, he could bring value on special teams. And at this point, that should be an area that the Browns are still aiming to bolster.