The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their organized team activities and will start their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Jun. 10. Even though they spent the offseason doing a solid job filling the holes on their roster, the Browns still need a few more depth options to round out the team.
Fortunately for them, there are still a few veterans available on the free-agent market who would be excellent additions to the roster ahead of the minicamp. Let's explore.
Donovan Smith, OT
One of the areas that the Browns needed to tackle this offseason but failed to do so is the offensive line. Specifically, the offensive tackle position. This is especially significant since protecting Deshaun Watson should arguably be one of the most important things for Cleveland this season.
Jedrick Wills Jr. is projected to start at left tackle and Jack Conklin should take over at right tackle once he comes back from his injury. Both players missed significant time last season and Dawand Jones and James Hudson don't necessarily provide the peace of mind the Browns need at the position to start the season.
An experienced veteran at left tackle who has a championship pedigree could help the Browns take the next step in their postseason goals. Donovan Smith, who spent his career protecting Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, fits that bill.
Smith is turning 31 before next season but was still a decent option for the Chiefs last season. He missed five games last season but he has largely been healthy for most of his career. He doesn't need to be the full-time starter, but as a depth option in a position of need, the Browns could do worse than Smith.
Shaquille Leonard, LB
Another position of need for the Browns is linebacker. Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki left in free agency this spring and Cleveland replaced them with Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush. They also drafted Nathaniel Watson out of Mississippi State in the sixth round.
Hicks and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are projected to start but Devin Bush is a question mark as the third starter. He missed some time last season and only played in 27% of snaps for the Seattle Seahawks in 2023.
For the Browns to feel good about their linebacker depth, another quality option would go a long way. So, why not take a flyer on a linebacker once considered one of the best in the league?
Shaq Leonard is obviously not the same player he was when he started his career with the Indianapolis Colts in 2018.
Back then, he was one of the best defenders in the league and was on a Hall of Fame trajectory. A series of back injuries forced the Colts to release him mid-season in 2023 before he signed with the Eagles.
Fortunately, he was largely healthy last season, playing in 14 games. He registered 88 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a sack.
If injuries are behind him, at age 28, Leonard could still be a solid depth option for a contender. At this stage of his career, he will likely not play every snap but if he wants to keep playing, Cleveland is a good option for both sides.
Jamal Adams, S
Safety is probably one position, which still has plenty of talent on the free-agent market. Justin Simmons, Eddie Jackson, and Micah Hyde are all available and the Browns could consider all of them.
However, one free agent backfield defender is specifically a good fit for Cleveland: Jamal Adams.
The former Jets and Seahawks star has missed a ton of games in the last two seasons and will turn 29 during the 2024 season. He is certainly not the dominant defensive force he was early in his career when he was racking up Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors regularly.
However, he is still a very intriguing player due to his versatility. He struggles in coverage now but his run defense and pass rush from the second level are still valuable. He can play in the nickel or dime. If he is used in the box more like a linebacker, he could be two birds in one stone for the Browns.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz likes to change things up. He is a creative play-caller who likes to try different looks. Adams gives him another chess piece, as long as he is not asked to cover in space.
Plus, Adams will likely come in on a one-year, prove-it deal, and the Browns could use that type of low-risk, high-reward player as they continue their Super Bowl pursuit.
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