5 free agents the Cleveland Browns need to consider signing now
By Chad Porto
DE/LB Dee Ford
I hate the term EDGE rusher, but if he’s a hybrid flex guy like Dee Ford is, I’m fine with it as it’s a pretty broad term and that is what Ford can provide for a team, a broad spectrum of possibilities. Ford has dealt with injuries in recent years, and at his age, 31, he isn’t exactly a slam-dunk option to come in and perform.
Yet, Chase Winovich has not been good when he’s played and his injury status isn’t helping restore faith in him. The rest of the ends aren’t exactly great either outside of the two starters. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah isn’t the elite player many have pegged him to be, and Sionne Takitaki is average, at best. There is no other linebacker on the team worth mentioning at this point. So the linebacking corp could use some help.
Even if Ford is 50% of what he used to be, that may still be better than any backup end or linebacker the team currently has. One can’t dismiss the idea of the team lacking size either, and Ford could be a real player as an outside blitzer or just against the run. As the team needs all the help they can get there.