![]() If the Browns strike out on Hargrave, they could kick the tires on his Philly teammate, Fletcher Cox, who thrived while playing under Schwartz. Hargrave won’t come cheaply, and Cleveland figures to have plenty of competition to land him. Hargrave, who starred for one of the league’s top run defenses in Philly, would obviously help the Browns plug those holes against the run, too. Hargrave, 30, had a career-best 11 sacks for the Eagles last year, with a pass rush win rate of 17.2%, which ranked third in the league among interior defensive linemen (Cleveland defensive tackle starters Jordan Elliott and Taven Bryan had pass rush win rates of 8.3% and 7.2%, respectively). Look for the Browns to canvass Schwartz’s old team for help, beginning with Javon Hargrave, arguably the top defensive tackle on the market, who, according to team sources, is at the top of Cleveland’s free agent wish list. Among other issues, the Browns’ young defensive tackles couldn’t hold up against the run, which is why Cleveland will be on the hunt for a difference-maker up front in free agency for new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, whose schemes in Philadelphia were predicated on disruptive defensive linemen. Cleveland’s run defense EPA was 11 th worst (-23.11) of any defense over the last decade. The Browns had an awful run defense last season, ultimately leading Cleveland to fire defensive coordinator Joe Woods after three years. Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswireĭefensive tackle is the position to watch. Here’s what to watch for from Cleveland as the NFL offseason cranks up: All eyes on DT Hargrave had a career-best 11 sacks for the Eagles last year, with a pass rush win rate of 17.2%. ![]() The Browns first must address a couple of glaring holes on the roster in free agency, which starts this week. Now, with a bloated payroll, and several key players in their primes, the pressure is building on Cleveland to make the playoffs in 2023. And when Watson returned, Cleveland went just 3-3, as Watson struggled after such a long layoff, ranking 26 th in QBR (38.3) over the final six games. Watson, however, was suspended 11 games for violating the league's personal conduct policy by committing sexual assault, as defined by the NFL, on massage therapists.ĭespite the steady play of backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the Browns went 4-7 without Watson. What's next in free agency for Patriots?.After sending the Texans a haul of draft picks – including three first-rounders – the Browns beat out the Saints, Falcons and Panthers for Watson by giving him a new five-year worth a league-record $230 million guaranteed. but, given the reaggravation of a previous injury, could be in trouble for Week 11.BEREA, Ohio - Even after pulling off one of the NFL’s biggest trades last offseason, the Cleveland Browns stumbled to another losing season.Ĭleveland landed quarterback Deshaun Watson in a deal with the Houston Texans. He stepped into the starting receiver role with the release of Odell Beckham Jr. ![]() Peoples-Jones hurt his groin during warmups of Week 7’s matchup and then missed Week 8 as well. Two other backup running backs, could miss the game.Īdd to that list, the team’s top outside receiver, Donovan Peoples-Jones tweaked his groin in practice and was limited. Top backup running back, out for the game. Starting running back, not able to practice and could miss the game. ![]() We also know that Kareem Hunt will miss Week 11 while Nick Chubb, Demetric Felton and John Kelly remain in the COVID-19 protocols. So far this week, we know that Baker Mayfield missed practice on Wednesday but plans to play on Sunday despite multiple injuries. While injuries are normal, it seems the Browns are have been on the wrong side of the leger and they have piled up. The team has lost a lot of games from starters and key contributors throughout the season. At some point, the Cleveland Browns have to hope that the injury issues somehow even out for them.
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