Cleveland Browns: 5 mid-tier free agents that could improve the team

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings jog off the field during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings jog off the field during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 17: Andrew Sendejo #34 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 17: Andrew Sendejo #34 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

Rashod Hill (OT)/ Andrew Sendejo (S)

With Stefanski leaving Minnesota after over a decade with the franchise, it’s easy to see that he’s got a strong familiarity with the free agents of that team. The Vikings won by running the ball and playing defense. The same way the Browns will more than likely play in 2020. That means bolstering the run game and the defense. With the holes that both sides of the ball have, that means bargain deals will need to be administered in order to satisfy every one of them.

The offensive line needs help, and Rashod Hill can more than likely help in that regard. Hill wasn’t a full-time starter but did play enough to show he can help out. Can he be a full-time starter? Possible. At least on the Browns. He’d be an upgrade on the line over either the incumbent starters at tackle, which isn’t saying much but on bargain deals what can you do? Hill’s only start was against Chicago and he managed to keep Sean Mannion upright all game. Even if he’s not Joe Thomas or Orlando Pace, any improvement on the line needs to be sought after.

Andrew Sendejo falls into the same category. He’s someone who’s been around the Vikings for years, being a full-time starter for six years. Sendejo isn’t like Hill or Nassib, who could be cheap starters for the Browns. Sendejo might not be a starter anymore on a consistent level but considering the team might need to replace both starting safeties, having a viable veteran on the roster to help bring along the younger talent is a wise option. There’s also the chance that he’s healed up from all of his injuries and can possibly become a starter if necessary. At the right price, he’d be a bargain.

There’s also the idea that both men will know the system coming straight in from Minnesota, allowing both players to adjust faster than a rookie or another free agent could. Having that kind of player that you can rely on instantly is important for a new head coach.