The Browns may need depth at defensive tackle.
The Browns did a good job going after new pieces in the 2021 offseason to bolster a defense that, at best, struggled in 2020. As always, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as a sure thing, and the new pieces the Browns have may be worse than the players from 2020. That doesn’t mean they will, or that they won’t. It’s just a possibility that it could go either way. That’s why it’s important to have depth in every position.
The defensive tackles, linebackers, and safeties may be positions that need bolstering throughout the season. They’re either backed by injury-plagued talent or rookies, making for a very unpredictable situation. These players could be great, or they could be awful. There’s no way of knowing right now. So having players at those positions that you may have some faith in just in case is never a bad idea.
That’s why losing out on Sheldon Richardson hurts. It’s not a big loss, by any means, but he would’ve provided something dependable on the front line. Now, it’s very possible the Browns’ new players outperform Richardson, and that’s the hope. Yet, without some depth to rely on, injuries or poor play could really plague the unit. That’s why were looking at five options to pursue just in case.
Kawann Short
The two-time Pro Bowler in Kawann Short is an intriguing option because like Jadeveon Clowney, Short is a veteran with potential. Now, the big difference is that Short is coming off of two back-to-back seasons where he was injury-plagued. So if you’re looking at him to return to his Pro-Bowl form and lead the Browns in sacks as he did for the Panthers, maybe readjust your expectations.
Short could get you five or even seven sacks for the season while providing sold run-defense, but that’s only if he’s healthy. For a few million dollars on a one-year deal, Short would be worth it. Maybe he can return to form and really put in a great season. It’d be fair to say that he’s never had two players like Clowney or Myles Garrett on his sides to help take the heat off of him. So it’s entirely possible that Short has a massive year.
It’s also possible he pulls a LeCharles Bentley and gets hurt the first snap of training camp. It could go either way at this point. The question you have to ask yourself is simple; do you trust the players they have at the position?
There’s certainly room for depth, obviously. The Browns agree, they wouldn’t have tried to get Sheldon Richardson back if not.
Jurrell Casey
He went to five-straight Pro Bowls as a 3-4 defensive end and has a season of 10+ tackles as a traditional three-tackle. So why is Jurrell Casey still a free agent despite being a 2019 Pro Bowler? Injuries. Casey only played three games for the Broncos, after spending his entire career with the Titans. A torn biceps wrecked his year, and he was having a solid one. PFF gave his 2020 campaign a 74.4 for those three games. Clearly, he still had something left.
A torn biceps is also not that hard to come back from compared to that of a back, neck, or leg injury. So Casey should be able to return to form. There’s a risk with signing a 31-year-old player, sure, but that risk is offset with two simple thoughts.
The first, he’s still pretty good.
While the second makes even more sense; you don’t need him to be the focal point of the team defense. He’s an extra player. A nice tack-on that the Browns could get to help bolster the team. If he returns to form, then that’s just gravy. If he just plays well enough to warrant being part of the rotation? Great, he’s exactly what many thought he would be at this stage in his career.
No one should ask him to be the Myles Garrett-type on the line. What they need is someone who can simply do the job.
Domata Peko
Up until 2020, Domata Peko was a highly graded defensive lineman. Like with Jurrell Casey, Peko was someone who played both an interior defensive tackle in four-front defenses and an end in three-front defenses. He’s a veteran presence, an emphasis on veteran too, as he started his career in 2006 with the Bengals. While never a Pro Bowler, Peko has always been someone that was reliable. It’s why the Cardinals went out and got him at 36-years-old.
Entering his age 37 season, Peko may not be the most obvious guy. Yet, if he could provide some veteran experience to the younger defensive line players, then maybe Peko could help impact the game beyond just on the field. Peko isn’t going to rewind the clock at this point and all of a sudden become a Pro Bowler but if he’s able to be healthy, then maybe his strength and experience can help stop the opposing team’s run game.
Peko would not fetch a huge contract at this point either, so if he still wants to play, he could come into the Browns and feature heavily in a rotation of sorts at defensive tackle. This may give the Browns some more reliable options to boot, even if he isn’t the player he once was, he could still be good enough to contribute.
Kyle Peko
If Domata Peko is too old, how about his younger brother Kyle? Kyle Peko is an interesting player, as he skipped out on the 2020 season due to COVID-19, and is still relatively young at 28-years-old. Well, he’s 27 right now, but will turn 28 by the time the season starts. So, he’s 28.
The 2016 undrafted free agent is nearly as good as his brother, at least on paper. Perhaps the right defensive coaches can unlock his potential. He’s missed two full seasons for different reasons, and if he can stay healthy, maybe the younger Peko could contribute and be an unexpected piece to the puzzle.
Not every guy the Browns are going to look at is going to be former Pro Bowlers or All-Pro guys, so why not give Peko a look? He comes from a good football lineage and could absolutely showcase a refined skill-set this late in his career. If it was possible for Cameron Wake, it’s possible for Peko.
The Browns have made signings like this in the past with Andrew Berry in charge, and even before then, with names like Elijah Lee and Malcolm Smith coming to mind. So give Peko a chance and see what he can do on a team designed to win.
Heck, sign both Kyle and Domata. Why not? What’s the worst that can happen? They get some money and get cut before the start of the year? Not such a bad thing.