10 Free Agents The Cleveland Browns Should Sign In 2016

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September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Texans guard Ben Jones (60) blocks Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Antonio Smith (94) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Ben Jones, C

With Alex Mack expected to opt out of his contract, the Browns will be looking for a center. Yes, you read that right. Despite taking Mack’s replacement in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Cleveland still needs to solidify the center position–and the front office can do that by signing Texans free agent center Ben Jones.

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Unless Cameron Erving massively bulks up, it would be reprehensible for the front office and coaching staff to let Erving start the season at center. He got manhandled too frequently as rookie in 2015. I don’t want to write him off yet, but he needs to earn his playing time.

Jones is deemed as the No. 1 center free agent by many. If the Browns were able to sign him, they wouldn’t just be gaining a center, they’d be adding a player who’s proven to be a solid guard, at both the right and left positions.

This versatility leaves the door open for Erving, should the Stanford product overcome the adversity that plagued his rookie eason.

The Texans are under a lot of pressure to bring Jones back, but the Browns have to think of their quarterback. Whether it’s oft-injured Josh McCown, a new free agent such as Brock Osweiler, or rookie Jared Goff, Cleveland needs to protect their field general.

Mack was a pro’s pro–and the team can’t afford to take a step back with his departure. Signing Jones ensures the center position remains strong.

Next: CB Janoris Jenkins

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