Browns: 5 free agents that Cleveland could give a chance to
By Chad Porto
DE/DT Everson Griffen
Just like Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, Everson Griffen is someone the Browns could certainly use inside and out on the defensive line. He’s 280lbs and strong as an ox. Griffen would be a great interior pass-rusher if paired with Garrett, and when not, he can also serve as the primary third end and maybe even third defensive tackle for the rotation. Giving the vets some breath, while also filling in for the younger players in press-cooker moments.
Griffen didn’t have a bad 2020, but it was down from the expectations of previous years. He had six sacks combined across his time in Detroit and Dallas while missing two games. So it’s possible that he would’ve had more had he played all 16 games. With the NFL moving from the aforementioned 16 games to 17 games, having veterans who are experienced in long seasons would be a nice addition to the team.
Now there may be some who ask why so much help pass rushing? Well, Pass rushing is like three-point shooting in the NBA, which is to say you can’t have too much. Especially someone like Griffen, who can still play three-down defense, and he’s quick enough for the end, and strong enough for the interior.
You don’t want Griffen being your best player or even your best pass-rusher but he’s a guy you want on your team because of the versatility he brings.
He might make you pay him a bit more than the rest of the guys on this list, but if it’s a one-year deal, it might be worth it.