6 Former Browns Cleveland Should Sign for a Reunion in Free Agency

There are reports that the Cleveland Browns could be bringing back Joe Flacco as the two sides were discussing a contract during the Scouting Combine. While Flacco never technically left, retaining him would feel like quite the reunion.

Flacco led the Browns to a 4-1 record down the stretch while throwing 1,616 yards and 13 touchdown passes. He would primarily be an insurance signing but that's always a good move.

In that same vein, here are six former Browns who could be signed in free agency to help bolster the roster in 2024.

6. Kendall Lamm, OT

Kendall Lamm spent just two seasons in Cleveland but he made them memorable. The former backup offensive tackle appeared in 19 games for the Browns with three starts. He held his own as a blocker during that time but it was his one-yard touchdown in a win against the Tennessee Titans in 2020 that endeared him to the Dawg Pound.

Fans always love seeing the big linemen get open and Lamm made the most of his opportunity.

Since his time with the Browns ended, Lamm has played for the Titans and the Miami Dolphins. Lamm started eight games last year in place of an injured Terron Armstead and was a solid pass blocker.

Cleveland suffered one injury after another at tackle in 2023 and was down to their fifth and sixth options by the time the playoffs started. That's why more depth is needed in 2024 and a reunion with Lamm would provide that.

5. Mack Wilson, LB

One player who was looked upon favorably during his short tenure in Cleveland was former Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson, Sr. Added in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Wilson had a preseason campaign to remember. He proved he wasn't just a flash in the pan either when he appeared in all 16 games as a rookie while making 14 starts.

Wilson finished his first campaign with 82 tackles (four for a loss), seven pass defenses, one sack, one forced fumble, and one interception. Wilson spent two more seasons with the Browns and had his share of ups and downs — but always outplayed his draft position.

Ahead of the 2022 season, he was sent to the New England Patriots in exchange for Chase Winovich. At first, it appeared Cleveland pulled one over on Bill Belichick but then we were all reminded why no one should trade with Double B.

Wilson wasn't a star in New England but he had 73 tackles and five sacks in a rotational role. He was also excellent in coverage. Winovich, meanwhile, suited up for just eight games and had one sack.

Now a free agent, the Browns could look to bring the 246-pound Wilson back. They have a need at the position and he wouldn't break the bank.

4. Tavierre Thomas, CB

An undrafted rookie out of Ferris State, Tavierre Thomas became a special teams stud for the Browns. Originally signed by the Arizona Cardinals, he was claimed off waivers on Sept. 2. He appeared in 13 games that year and led Cleveland in special teams tackles.

He also endeared himself to the fan base when he downed a punt at the one-yard line in Week 7. That led to a safety for the Browns.

In year two, he expanded his role and even returned kicks. He added a fumble recovery and blocked kick to his resume as well. As if that weren't enough reason to love the guy, he even recorded his first career sack in 2020 on Lamar Jackson.

Thomas has spent the past three seasons in Houston and put together his best campaign in 2021 when he had 86 tackles, two interceptions, and a touchdown. He's dealt with injuries over the past two years but still has 178 tackles overall.

Cleveland would be wise to seek a reunion not only to help should they suffer more injuries in the secondary but Thomas remains a special teams beast. Andrew Berry focused heavily on those units in 2023 and doing so again this offseason could bring back this familiar face.

3. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE

As good as John Dorsey could be as a general manager, he would often make some baffling moves. The weirdest often centered around his need to move on from any player who he felt was no longer a full-time starter. Sure, it's admirable to always look for an upgrade but having experienced backups is a huge benefit for any team.

Dorsey wasn't worried about that during his tenure and Emmanuel Ogbah is the perfect example. The 32nd overall pick in 2016 (which was the first in Round 2 that year due to sanctions against the Patriots), Ogbah was never an elite producer but had 122 tackles and 12.5 sacks in three seasons.

Despite his production, Ogbah was sent to Kansas City in exchange for Eric Murray. The former Chiefs defensive back played in just nine games for the Browns and had 24 tackles and one pass defense. Ogbah also spent just one year in K.C. and had 32 tackles and 5.5 sacks before a torn pec ended his season.

Ogbah still earned a Super Bowl ring and did enough to sign with Miami for $15 million over two years. He proceeded to record 18 sacks over the next two years. He was extended but released following a 5.5 sack campaign in 2023.

He's not the player he was in 2019 but Ogbah would give Cleveland some much-needed depth on the edge. He would help spell Alex Wright while offering another veteran for the young pass-rusher to learn from.

2. Jordan Poyer, S

Recently released after seven years with the Buffalo Bills, it's easy to forget Jordan Poyer was ever with the Cleveland Browns. A former seventh-round pick back out of Oregon State in 2013, Poyer started his career with the Philadelphia Eagles. They wound up releasing him in October after he played in just three games and the Browns claimed him on waivers.

Poyer spent the final nine games of his rookie campaign in Cleveland and stayed there for the following three years after that. He was never a full-time starter until his final season with the team but appeared in 45 games with 10 starts. Poyer had 103 tackles and two picks and was also used sparingly on returns.

He was finally named a starter in 2016 but his tenure ended after just six games. And it ended in a terrible way as an illegal hit landed him in the hospital with a lacerated kidney. Poyer then left in free agency, signing with Buffalo. During his time with them, he has 682 tackles, 11 sacks, and 22 picks.

Set to turn 33 in April, Poyer isn't the player he once was. He could, however, take on the role Rodney McLeod had in 2023 before he was injured. The Browns love to use multiple safeties and Poyer still knows how to get the job done.

1. Jacoby Brissett, QB

Rumors have been surfacing as of late that Joe Flacco could be coming back but if that doesn't happen, the Browns will still be in the market for a veteran quarterback. They have faith that Dorian Thompson-Robinson will continue to develop and the growth he showed following the disaster in Week 4 in Baltimore was impressive — and that wasn't on him since the team failed to properly prepare him or even inform him that he was starting in time.

Even so, DTR is still very young and if the Browns find themselves needing wins late in the season and Deshaun Watson is sidelined, they'll feel much better having someone out there who has been there before. That's what made Flacco so perfect for them — the moment was never too big for him.

If they're unable to bring Flacco back, they could look to another familiar face, Jacoby Brissett.

The former third-round pick started 11 games for the Browns in 2022 and while they went 4-7 with him under center, he always gave them a chance. He also didn't have the luxury of playing with an elite defense on the other side.

Brissett threw for 2,608 yards with 12 touchdowns and six picks in Cleveland before signing with Washington last year. The Browns tried to add him back at the trade deadline but were unsuccessful, eventually signing Flacco. Maybe now they can do the opposite.

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