Cleveland Browns looking elsewhere as Clowney remains unsigned
The latest Cleveland Browns rumors indicate the team was looking at adding another a veteran free-agent pass rusher.
This nugget comes from Cleveland.com’s Terry Pluto, although it’s not clear who exactly the Browns had set their sights on.
Pluto wondered if the mystery player was Justin Houston, who recently signed an unrestricted free-agent tender with the Ravens. He also threw out out the names of Jerry Hughes (Bills) and Jason Pierre-Paul (Bucs).
This rumor is bound to get more attention as long as Jadeveon Clowney remains a free agent. The Browns would seem to be his best fit, but until he’s actually under contract, finding a starter to play opposite of Myles Garrett remains a top priority because Cleveland just doesn’t have a player on the current roster to fill the role.
As for Clowney, the Panthers are rumored to be interested.
Cleveland Browns rookie could challenge for PT
Elsewhere on the defensive line, TLOD’s Tony Grossi (subscription required) wrote that new fan favorite Perrion Winfrey could challenge for a starting spot on the defensive line.
I looked at rookies who could play right away and did not include the fourth-rounder on the list, but Grossi’s point is well taken. The likely starters are Taven Bryan and Jordan Elliott. There’s a lot to like there, but it’s not like these are Hall of Famers in their prime.
Winfrey will get reps in camp. If he makes good on those opportunities, he’ll see the field.
Cleveland Browns still have Baker Mayfield
No news on the Baker Mayfield front, other than you can understand why the Browns haven’t cut the lame-duck quarterback.
If the Browns cut him, they eat his $18 million salary and get nothing. If they keep him and the contract runs out, Cleveland could receive a third-round compensatory pick in 2024.
Obviously, a trade is the desired outcome, but, if the deal were out there, the Browns would’ve taken it.
Next. 3 Browns rookies who could play right away. dark
Of course, Mayfield could complicate matters if he forces the issue, and we’ll find out if he’s going to do that come June, when the team reports for mini camp.