With free agency fast approaching, new Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry is preparing to make his first additions to the roster.
Besides the offensive line, one main focus will surely be the defense.
Browns new defensive coordinator Joe Woods has plenty of coaching experience around the NFL in 16 seasons and is familiar with many players.
He will definitely have input on any free agents of whom the Browns have interest in.
Let’s take a look at 5 pending free agents with Joe Woods connections, that could interest the Browns.
1. Aquib Talib – CB Dolphins
Aquib Talib played in Denver with Woods from 2015-2017.
While playing under Woods, Talib played two of his best seasons.
He was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and Pro Football Focus ranked him among the best for 2016 and 2017.
Talib has dealt with a share of injuries in 2019 in which he played in only 5 games with the Dolphins.
Talib could be a good veteran addition for the Browns secondary without pressure to be a full-time starter.
He would add experience to a Browns secondary that is young with players such as Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams.
2. Jimmie Ward – S 49ers
There’s no way to be this lightly.
The Browns need help badly at safety.
Veteran Morgan Burnett tore his Achilles during the 2019 season.
With Damarious Randall and Justin Burris heading into free agency, the Browns will need help in defending the middle.
Woods worked with Jimmie Ward in his only season in San Francisco.
With only 17 days left until free agency, I’m hoping the #49ers find a way to keep the enforcer Jimmie Ward on the team 💥 | 🎥: @NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/dMXFYkvsZw
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) March 1, 2020
To say Ward had a great season is an understatement.
Pro Football Focus ranked Ward as the 10th best safety in the entire NFL in 2019 and 17th in coverage.
He also only allowed multiple catches in only 3 games in 2019 that included the postseason.
Picking up a safety like Ward would be a great addition for the Browns secondary.
3. Danny Trevathan- LB Bears
With Joe Schobert likely leaving in free agency, the Browns could use a veteran to add to the linebacker corp.
Danny Trevathan is a Youngstown native and would provide leadership for current linebackers Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki.
He also has experience playing for Woods in 2015.
In 2019, Trevathan made 9 starts and had 70 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defended.
His season ended in Week 10 of the 2019 season when he had a left elbow injury.
He started his career with the Denver Broncos.
Trevathan started in Super Bowl 50 and helped lead Denver to a 24-10 victory over the Panthers.
He had 8 tackles and recovered a crucial fumble to help the Broncos secure the Super Bowl victory.
“Physically able to play Football!! Piece of cake. Thank you God. The grind just kicked up 100xs,” Trevathan tweeted in late January.
Physically able to play Football!! Piece of cake 🎂. Thank you God🙏🏾. The grind just kicked up 100xs.
— Danny Trevathan (@Grindin_59) January 28, 2020
Danny Trevathan fooled my man dirty pic.twitter.com/oVlId9A5dk
— Footballism™ (@FootbaIIism) January 30, 2020
NEXT: Report: Browns Have Interest In Trent Williams, Jason Peters As LT Options
Now here’s a guy I think the Browns should go after. Fairly certain that he would fit the budget and bring that veteran presence that Wilson, Takitaki, Harvey and Davis need as stated. He should have at least 3 solid years left and is somewhat a homer being from Y-Town. I think he’d jump at a chance to come home and play for Woods again. May not be a drop off from Schobert and possibly be an upgrade if 100% healthy again.