Browns: 5 free agents Cleveland must target in 2021 offseason

4. Lavonte David, LB

Yes, analytics probably hates the idea of signing David, a player who’s 30 years old.

To give you mink-crunk though, consider that Pro Football Focus–regarded as the “Analytics Bible”–ranked David eighth among their top 50 free agents.

It’s easier to make a case for the Browns and David because he’s a “win now player.” The Browns window is open and having him on the roster would boost the Browns chances in 2021. The Browns have their core. Now, get players to put you over the top. That’s the case for David.

It’s going to come down to dollars for David. PFF forecasted that the Bucs will keep him by offering three years at $40 million, with $23.5 million guaranteed and (17.5 million guaranteed) at signing.

Will the Browns have a shot at him? The in-house business they have to sort out will dictate their financial situation, in addition to the salary cap being set.

David has been excellent as a coverage linebacker in career, with four seasons of earning a grade of 85.0 or above.