4 Free Agents the Browns Need to Target This Offseason

Nearly one year ago, the Cleveland Browns were dubbed the offseason champions of the NFL. General manager John Dorsey was deemed the executive of the decade for bringing in Odell Beckham Jr., Sheldon Richardson, and Olivier Vernon.

The Browns, as history showed us, failed to live up to the hype. After finishing the season with a 6-10 record, Dorsey was shown the door. Now, Andrew Berry takes the reins and has nearly $50 million in cap space to spend in free agency.

Here are four players on the open market that the Browns should target.

4. S Anthony Harris

Minnesota Vikings S Anthony Harris will be a free agent in 2020 / Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

The Browns cornerbacks are the biggest strength of their secondary. The same, however, can't be said for Cleveland's safety group. Damarious Randall hasn't panned out the way the Browns had envisioned, and the depth behind him is rather weak. Berry should target Anthony Harris of the Minnesota Vikings, who broke out and ultimately out-shined Harrison Smith in 2019. Minnesota has a difficult task ahead of them in trying to retain Harris and the Browns have the money to pry him away.

3. LB Cory Littleton

With Joe Schobert hitting free agency, the Browns can get an upgrade in Cory Littleton. / Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Much like their safety group, Cleveland's linebackers' corps leaves a lot to be desired. Starting middle linebacker Joe Schobert is set to hit the open market. While that stings, Berry and the Browns can get a significant upgrade in the form of Cory Littleton. The upcoming free agent ranked as one of the top linebackers in the league in terms of tackling and pass coverage, both things the Browns defense needs help with. While Mack Wilson showed promise, Littleton could be a huge get for Cleveland, especially if Schobert walks.

2. OG Brandon Scherff

Brandon Scherff will fill the void left by Kevin Zeitler, who was traded by the Browns last year. / Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

The Browns did themselves no favors last offseason when it comes to the offensive line. Dorsey traded stud offensive guard Kevin Zeitler to the New York Giants in the massive Beckham trade and, as expected, the Browns o-line struggled to protect Baker Mayfield. Cleveland can fill the void left by Zeitler with Brandon Scherff, who is arguably the best at his position. It will cost a pretty penny, but the Browns should be actively pursuing him in free agency.

1. OT Jack Conklin

Baker Mayfield needs protection, and Jack Conklin can help with that. / Frederick Breedon/Getty Images

In order for Baker Mayfield to live up to his first overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Browns must protect him in the trenches. Look no further than Jack Conklin. After returning from a torn ACL the year prior, Conklin played out of his mind this season with the Tennessee Titans, who made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game. There will be plenty of suitors for Conklin's services, but with $50 million at their disposal, the Browns should be the favorites to land Conkin.