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3 defensive tackles the Cleveland Browns could sign to complete the defensive line

By Chad Porto

Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (98) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) lines up against Washington Redskins defensive end Matt Ioannidis (98) in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns long snapper Charley Hughlett (47) lines up against Washington Redskins defensive end Matt Ioannidis (98) in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 31-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Matt Ioannidis

The idea behind signing a defensive tackle is to make sure that the Cleveland Browns’ front four is as sound as possible. Not just against the pass but against the run as well. For the others on this list, that’s what we’re hoping happens. That if they get signed they come in and bolster the defense, but Matt Ioannidis wouldn’t help in that area.

At least, he hasn’t, historically. No, instead Matt Ioannidis is the perfect player to add even more pass-rushing to the team. Ioannidis has a history of chasing after the quarterback and registering the stats to back that up.

From 2017 to 2019, he had 20.5 sacks combined, all in the Washington Commanders’ 3-4 defense. He can clearly get after the quarterback, and at 6’3, 305 lbs, he’s big enough to block up some gaps in the Wide 9 that Jim Schwartz runs.

He’s not young, like with everyone on this list, he’s pushing 30, but he may be able to take advantage of the situation the Browns find themselves in. With two studs at the ends and a large body next to him, Ioannidis may be able to return to the form he had in 2019.

By no means is he a Pro Bowler, but if he can add another five to seven sacks to the team’s stat line, then the Browns’ pass rush may be good enough to take the team deep into the playoffs.

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