3 ex-Cleveland Browns who make sense coming home in 2023

Nov 24, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert (53) intercepts the ball from Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns middle linebacker Joe Schobert (53) intercepts the ball from Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Free safety Jabrill Peppers #22 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after sacking quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter on fourth down to seal the Browns 17-16 win over the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Free safety Jabrill Peppers #22 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after sacking quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter on fourth down to seal the Browns 17-16 win over the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Jabrill Peppers

When we talk about the guys who may come a bit more expensive than you would hope, that is Jabrill Peppers. Peppers is a great talent and someone who never should’ve been traded away from Cleveland. Since leaving, he’s spent three years with the New York Giants, where had had two very solid seasons, and even put up 90 tackles in one season while with the G-Men.

Then he went on to New England, where he was exceptional as a third safety. He excelled as a run-defender, and that’s what the Browns desperately need, a good secondary tackler. Peppers can impact the team in a positive way even if he were used in Cleveland like he was in New England. He served as the third safety in New England but still racked up 60 tackles.

The Browns have used a third safety a lot over the last few years, so Peppers could find himself getting a lot of playtimes back in Cleveland even if he weren’t used as a starter. If he was, however, he would be a possible upgrade over Harrison and likely Delpit, giving the Browns the best-tackling safety they’ve had since Peppers was traded away ahead of the 2019 season.