Cleveland Browns: 10 free agents Browns should target in 2019

Cleveland Browns Za'Darius Smith (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns Za'Darius Smith (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns Shaq Barrett (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

5. Shaq Barrett, EDGE

Shaquil Barrett never got the opportunity to start for the Broncos behind Von Miller and Bradley Chubb on the Denver Bronco’s depth chart.

After a stelar 2017 season, Barrett’s production dropped last season, as he totaled only 13 pressures on a career-low 127 pass rush snaps, according to PFF.

Again, you’ve got to account for Miller and Chubb taking away playing time.

In 2017, Barrett received an 82.6 grade from Pro Football Focus after totaling 43 pressures on 324 pass-rush snaps.

When you factor in Barrett is 26, while not forgetting what he did two seasons ago, it might be worth betting on his age.

He fits the Browns in that they need pass rashers and Emmanuel Ogbah’s job is by no means safe. Plus, Barrett shouldn’t take a huge chunk of cap space after his down season in 2018.

Of course if the Browns do nothing to improve their pass rushing depth, it may indicate where the team is heading in the NFL Draft, where they hold the 17th pick.

Barrett’s also been solid again the run, however, he’s a Genard Avery type player in that the defense will have holes if you ask him to play in coverage.

Even if he’s just signed as a situation pass rusher, that’s OK as one of the criticisms facing the Browns this offseason was that Myles Garrett played too many downs.

The Browns need to put an emphasis on getting to the quarterback with their front four and keeping Garrett fresh will go along way to getting that accomplished.