Browns: Deciding which Cleveland free agents should come back
By Chad Porto
Training Camp Invites
SS Karl Joseph
Karl Joseph was a predictable disappointment. Signed on to replace Damarius Randall, the former Raider was so bad in Oakland (now Las Vegas) that the Raiders didn’t even give him his fifth-year extension. Clearly, a bad sign. He had 67 tackles, four pass deflections, and an interception during the regular season, but was a liability in the secondary, forcing fellow safety Andrew Sendejo to go all out to help cover up for Joseph’s mistakes. He might have something to offer the team but he’ll need to compete for it.
OLB Malcolm Smith
Having played well against the run, Malcolm Smith isn’t without his positive traits. Yet, he’s going into his age 32 season and plays a position that needs massive upgrades. He might be worth a backup spot in a new-look Browns defense but it’s not just going to be his for the taking.
WR JoJo Natson
I have a feeling the Browns receiver corps is going to get a makeover this year. If they do, there’s going to be a spot or two open. JoJo Natson knows the playbook and could compete for a spot on the main roster. Plus he can return kicks and punts too.
C Anthony Fabiano
In five years, Anthony Fabian has moved to a different NFL team 11 times. Three of those stints were with the Browns. The offensive line is pretty set, save for a few backup spots and what to do with Chris Hubbard’s contract. The Browns need to shave cap space to compensate for potentially less money available to them this offseason, while also keeping their ability to improve the defense by any means. That means some guys under contract might be cut or traded. Fabiano may just provide the versatility needed to be a backup for this team.
CB Brian Allen
Corners on this team need all the help they can get.