The Cleveland Browns have 26 free agents this year. GM Andrew Berry has until the league year begins on March 13 to re-sign any of these players or offer new multi-year deals, or extensions. After March 13, the start of the new league year, then all of them are unrestricted free agents and can negotiate with any team they wish and find employment elsewhere.
Numerous players on the Browns list are really good players and in positions of need for Cleveland. Berry can’t sign them all, and we wish he could bring back quite a few. But here is a list of the top five that Berry could feel comfortable re-signing before the league year begins and help this ballclub.
In no particular order:
The ability to stop the run took a nose dive after Hurst went down with a bicep injury in the Week 14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The talented defensive tackle was a huge surprise with his overall play during the season and eventually was taking snaps away from starter Jordan Elliott and the other backup Shelby Harris.
Hurst provided a stout run defense up front and paired with Dalvin Tomlinson and last year’s rookie Siaka Ika would provide the ability to plug gaps and create balance advantages while providing a good pass rush. Hurst has quickness and a relentless motor with a quick punch to disengage blockers.
Despite playing a rotational role last year, Hurst was a Top-20 DT in pass rush win rate. He has stated he is happy playing in Cleveland and would prefer to return. This is one move that both Berry and Hurst’s camp should get done.
The ability to stop the run took a nose dive after Hurst went down with a bicep injury in the Week 14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The talented defensive tackle was a huge surprise with his overall play during the season and eventually was taking snaps away from starter Jordan Elliott and the other backup Shelby Harris.
Hurst provided a stout run defense up front and paired with Dalvin Tomlinson and last year’s rookie Siaka Ika would provide the ability to plug gaps and create balance advantages while providing a good pass rush. Hurst has quickness and a relentless motor with a quick punch to disengage blockers.
