Close Article Return to stream X
NFL •

5 Players The Cleveland Browns Must Target In 2016 Free Agency

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 09: Marvin Jones #82 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the ball in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Paul Brown Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Things seem to be finally moving in the right direction for the Cleveland Browns. It was announced today that they had agreed to a deal with former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson to make him the next head coach of the team. Jackson is a great hire, but he will need to revamp the Browns’ mediocre roster. With that in mind, here is a look at some players the team must target in free agency.

5. CB Leon Hall

CB Leon Hall Getty Images
The Browns have some serious issues at the cornerback position. Tramon Williams is on the decline, Justin Gilbert is a bust, and Johnson Bademosi has been playing out of position to help out. Jackson could be interested in adding a former Bengals player in Hall to immediately come in and lock down the No. 2 cornerback position. Hall would be a sensible signing despite being 31.

The Browns have some serious issues at the cornerback position. Tramon Williams is on the decline, Justin Gilbert is a bust, and Johnson Bademosi has been playing out of position to help out. Jackson could be interested in adding a former Bengals player in Hall to immediately come in and lock down the No. 2 cornerback position. Hall would be a sensible signing despite being 31.

4. DL Cedric Thornton

DL Cedric Thornton Getty Images
While Desmond Bryant and Danny Shelton are a promising duo across the defensive front, the Browns need to add a player to replace the mediocre Randy Starks. Thornton is an excellent two-down run stuffer, and he would be a great rotational player next to Shelton. Together, they could help improve the weak Cleveland run defense. Thornton would also come on the cheap since he is not a good pass rusher.

While Desmond Bryant and Danny Shelton are a promising duo across the defensive front, the Browns need to add a player to replace the mediocre Randy Starks. Thornton is an excellent two-down run stuffer, and he would be a great rotational player next to Shelton. Together, they could help improve the weak Cleveland run defense. Thornton would also come on the cheap since he is not a good pass rusher.

3. WR Marvin Jones

WR Marvin Jones Getty Images
I think this is the move that is most likely to happen. The Browns have a serious lack of talent at the receiver position, and Marvin Jones is one of the best free agents on the market. Jones would follow Jackson to Cleveland and be able to immediately man the No. 2 receiver role. If Josh Gordon can come back and stay out of trouble, he and Jones would be a nice one-two combo for the Browns.

I think this is the move that is most likely to happen. The Browns have a serious lack of talent at the receiver position, and Marvin Jones is one of the best free agents on the market. Jones would follow Jackson to Cleveland and be able to immediately man the No. 2 receiver role. If Josh Gordon can come back and stay out of trouble, he and Jones would be a nice one-two combo for the Browns.

2. CB Prince Amukamara

CB Prince Amukamara Getty Images
The Browns need some major help at the cornerback position and Amukamara is arguably one of the best corners on the market. If the Browns feel like they can afford him, they should pursue him. He would come in and be a top-notch starter right away. Cleveland would likely only look to add either Hall or Amukamara.

The Browns need some major help at the cornerback position and Amukamara is arguably one of the best corners on the market. If the Browns feel like they can afford him, they should pursue him. He would come in and be a top-notch starter right away. Cleveland would likely only look to add either Hall or Amukamara.

1. RB Lamar Miller

RB Lamar Miller Getty Images
Duke Johnson projects to be a great third-down back, but can he carry the load? Isaiah Crowell is a strong back, but can he rip off big gains? Miller is a proven back who can play all three downs, and he would be a welcomed addition to the Browns’ backfield. He could be the workhorse with Johnson playing passing downs and Crowell on the goal line. That would be an ideal situation for the Browns.

Duke Johnson projects to be a great third-down back, but can he carry the load? Isaiah Crowell is a strong back, but can he rip off big gains? Miller is a proven back who can play all three downs, and he would be a welcomed addition to the Browns’ backfield. He could be the workhorse with Johnson playing passing downs and Crowell on the goal line. That would be an ideal situation for the Browns.

Your Favorites