Cleveland Browns: 5 mid-tier free agents that could improve the team
By Chad Porto
Carl Nassib (DE/LB)
Carl Nassib was a Cleveland Brown for a few years before getting waived by the team at the start of the 2018 season. He caught on with Tampa Bay where we became a viable player on the defensive line, playing in 29 of 32 games, starting 17, racking up 66 tackles, and 12.5 sacks in his two years with Tampa Bay.
Nassib isn’t the ideal selection to lean on for a primary pass rusher but he offers a lot in the way of versatility that a lot of players just don’t have. He’s got a long wingspan, he’s powerful enough to play the line while having enough athleticism to play an outside linebacker in a 3-4 type defense.
Nassib may not be seen as a viable full-time starter for the long term, but he has the capabilities of being a difference-maker in the run game, while also helping the team improve its pass rush. With his versatility, he can move around the defense as needed, keeping him on the field in situations where other lineman or outside backers may need to leave.
There’s also a hope that Nassib can live up to the expectations of his original draft status. There are plenty of examples of defensive ends improving as they get older, and learn how to shed blocking more efficiently. Perhaps all Nassib needs is a new coach to show him what to do a bit differently. If players like Cameron Wake are any example, it’s that defensive lineman can always get better.
Ideally, you’d bring Nassib in with either a high rookie draft pick at defensive end, or with someone like a Jadevon Clowney type player. That way you can plug Nassib in as needed. Having him on the roster as a starter though isn’t the worst thing because he is an upgrade over Olivier Vernon.