Cleveland Browns: 3 free agents the team needs to sign now

Logan Ryan

Get ready to hear a lot about Logan Ryan for the rest of the season, no matter where he signs. With the news that Greedy Williams may miss significant time, and his play being shakey at best during his rookie campaign, the fact the team hasn’t lept for Ryan is incredibly odd. The team has already made it pretty clear the team won’t spend money to improve the defense, instead, they are picking up bargain-basement options like former Boise State defensive end Curtis Weaver.

No slam intended on Weaver, who was drafted by the Miami Dolphins during the 2020 NFL Draft, but was cut during training camp. He was someone many were high on. He should help provide some depth for the defensive line if he can pan out, but again, he was a fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was also just cut. That’s never a good sign.

Nor is he a player at a position of need. Maybe two weeks ago sure, but the linebacking corp and secondary have been devastated beyond where the defensive line was.

We’ve talked before about the stats of Ryan and how he had over 100 tackles as a nickle-corner for the Titans. Instead, let’s go over why the Browns would do well with signing him. As a team that is in need of healthy defensive backs across the board, Ryan makes for an optimal pick-up. He’s someone who could play nearly all of the defensive plays for the team regardless of position.

He’s good enough to start at corner for just about any team and has the tackling ability to play safety. Imagine him as the sixth-man of the defensive secondary. Williams is hurt? Ryan can start at weak-side corner. Karl Joseph goes down with an injury? Then Ryan can play strong (or free) safety, depending on need. Joseph, Andrew Sendejo, Williams and Denzel Ward all healthy? Ryan can be your nickel corner or dime safety.

His versatility is his biggest strength, a trend for this list and he’s willing to do a short-term contract. Allegedly.

Contract Offer: $16 million across two years.