Top Three Realistic Free Agent Targets for the Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns’ 2021 NFL season was not what they would have imagined during the offseason. Recurring injuries to Baker Mayfield and other stars severely handicapped the AFC North challengers as they went on to finish third in the division with an 8-9 record.

This was a disappointing follow-up for a team that managed to win a road playoff game last year but now seems to be lacking an identity more than they previously did. 

Setting aside the team’s struggles, however, they have undeniable talent and enough star players to make them competitive. What they need are a few extra reliable contributors and can help take them over the top.

The Super Bowl may have only just ended, but here is a look at which players the Cleveland Browns should target in free agency to get them back into title contention.

Von Miller, Edge Rusher

Von Miller was a mid-season acquisition of the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams and played a key part in their title conquest. 

Miller, alongside Leonard Floyd and Aaron Donald, wreaked havoc on the Cincinnati Bengals offensive line, finishing the night with two sacks and his second Lombardi Trophy. He would have to sign on to a shorter deal, and his long-term outlook is not great, but he is still one of the elite pass-rushers in the game.

Miller’s move to LA showed that he is willing to relocate to a championship contender with a talented defense; in Cleveland, he would be partnered with Myles Garrett, a consensus top-three defensive player and an excellent secondary with solid pieces all around. 

The Browns would have to be willing to offer him more money than the Rams and still might lose out to a hometown discount, but Miller would almost certainly pay this back in the postseason.

Mike Williams, Wide Receiver

Mike Williams had a terrific season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021, hauling in 76 balls for 1,146 yards and nine touchdowns. He is a prolific downfield threat with tremendous size, speed, and physicality. 

He also left a lasting impact with Browns fans when he caught eight passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns early in the campaign.

Williams would form an elite partnership with Jarvis Landry, offering the vertical threat that has been missing and would open up the field for Landry to work in the intermediate and underneath routes. He would also give Baker Mayfield another weapon, and as everyone knows, quarterbacks— especially younger ones— can never have too many playmakers at their disposal.

De’Vondre Campbell, Inside Linebacker 

De’Vondre Campbell is coming off of a highly successful one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers, which ended with him earning a spot in the Pro Bowl. Campbell is one of the surest tacklers in the entire league and is best when playing downhill, especially against the run.

Getting the 28-year-old in a Browns uniform would give the team more assuredness in the middle of the linebacking corps, as well as toughness and reliability. 

The primary concern for him is his pass coverage and whether or not he will live up to his outstanding season, but he should be a priority target nonetheless.

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