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5 Players the Cleveland Browns Could Use Franchise Tag On

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Players the Cleveland Browns Could Use Franchise Tag On

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The Browns enter the 2015 offseason with the look of a team just a few pieces away from being a steady contender. In order to take that next step, they're going to need to lock up some of their own. Here are five players the Browns could pay big bucks for with the franchise tag.

5. WR Miles Austin

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5. WR Miles Austin

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With the uncertain futures of both Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron, franchising Miles Austin might make the tiniest, smallest sliver of sense. But in the end, Austin will probably return on a much cheaper, slightly longer contract. I don't think Austin will have enough free agent interest to warrant the franchise tag.

4. OLB Jabaal Sheard

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4. OLB Jabaal Sheard

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He doesn’t have the raw stats to back it up, but Sheard is a solid all-around player who provides key depth behind Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo. Sheard will draw plenty of interest in free agency, particularly from the Philadelphia Eagles, so this move would guarantee Sheard in the fold for 2015. But unless he’s made a starter this won’t be a likely scenario.

3. CB Buster Skrine

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3. CB Buster Skrine

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With the drafting of Justin Gilbert, the Browns prepared for the departure of Buster Skrine. But Skrine managed to hold off Gilbert and turned in a solid year, a big improvement over his penalty-filled 2012 season. This will only happen if the club sours on Gilbert’s development, which doesn’t appear to be the case.

2. TE Jordan Cameron

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2. TE Jordan Cameron

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Although he’s battled multiple injuries, Jordan Cameron is one of the most athletic and playmaking tight ends in the league. Cleveland needs all the weapons it can get for Johnny Manziel, especially if Josh Gordon isn’t with the team next year. Cleveland might bite the bullet for a year with Cameron and groom a draft pick behind him to eventually take his place.

1. S Tashaun Gipson

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1. S Tashaun Gipson

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With six interceptions in an injury-shortened 10-game season, Gipson completed the journey from undrafted free agent to Pro Bowler. He’s the ballhawk to Donte Whitner’s physicality, and keeping Gipson around with Whitner, Gilbert and Joe Haden makes for a formidable Brown secondary. Plus, if Manziel struggles at all next year, the defense might have to carry the team and Gipson will have a big hand in that.

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