Last season, the Cleveland Browns had no issues scoring points.
However, they ranked 21st in the league in points allowed during the 2020 season.
They also have plenty of significant pending free agents such as Malcolm Smith, Larry Ogunjobi, and Olivier Vernon.
It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the front office was aggressive on the defensive side this offseason.
One NFL insider believes that the Browns could land pass rusher Shaquil Barrett, assuming he doesn’t re-sign with Tampa Bay.
Barrett To Cleveland?
The Bucs have wasted little time bringing back their key pieces this offseason.
They already franchise-tagged wide receiver Chris Godwin and re-signed future Hall of Fame linebacker Lavonte David.
It seems like Barrett would be next in line to get an extension, assuming the Bucs want to bring him back.
However, Benjamin Allbright believes the Browns could make a run at Barrett this offseason.
If #Bucs lets Shaq Barrett get away, wouldn't be surprised to see #Browns heavily pursue him.
(Still think Tampa ultimately gets it done)
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 11, 2021
It’s worth noting that Allbright does believe Tampa Bay gets a deal done with Barrett.
Although, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Browns front office be aggressive for a player such as Barrett this offseason.
The 28-year-old linebacker would be an ideal fit to the Browns defensive system.
Should Cleveland Sign Barrett?
In 2014, the Denver Broncos signed Barrett was an undrafted free agent out of Colorado State.
He put together fairly average numbers during his career as a part-time player in Denver.
However, Barrett took his game to the next level when he signed with Tampa Bay in 2019.
During the 2019 season, Barrett recorded 58 tackles, six fumbles forced, and a league-leading 19.5 sacks through 16 games.
It wasn’t a fluke season as Barrett went out in 2020 and continued to cause havoc on the defensive side of the ball.
Shaq Barrett adds another sack to his total. #GoBucs #NFLPlayoffs
📺: #TBvsGB on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/cHuzDq5flQ pic.twitter.com/vgWQk6duEC— NFL (@NFL) January 24, 2021
The Browns are certainly in the market for an elite pass rusher like Barrett this offseason.
Someone who can take some of the pressure away from Myles Garrett.
Cleveland already attempted to sign J.J. Watt before he ultimately signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
The front office heavily pursuing Barrett should come as a shock to no one after seeing what he does done in Tampa Bay.
Sadly, it’s going to be difficult for the Browns to pry Barrett away from the Bucs.
Clearly, Barrett plays well in that system and is coming off a Super Bowl victory.
The only way Cleveland is likely going to land Barrett is if they outbid the Bucs in free agency.
Barrett has certainly proven he is worth a significant payday, so we’ll see if the Browns are willing to give it to him this offseason.
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Browns should offer Barrett whatever it takes 18-20 million for 4 years 50 million
guarenteed, sign Suh to a one year deal and release Richardson. Put your money
in the defensive line like you did last year with the offense. With the money you
get from Richardson sign Troy Hill Or Mike Hilton and B.J. Goodson. Use the draft
to fill the other holes. DB, LB, Dl,,WR. Make some trades to move up you only need
Six of your nine drafts!
Why would they leave the champs if the money is near the same? They get to play in better weather too, 8 games in Tampa 2 away dome games. Suh’s wife is having twins too so I doubt he leaves.
LVD contract helped cap relief
Brady extension freed up cap
Evans has stated he would restructure
Money talks plus the Browns have chance to meet Tampa Bay
in the Super Bowl. I would offer Barrett and Suh what ever it takes…
We have a three year window so go for it. Lower Landry’s and OBJ’s
salary. We need a pass rusher and Barrett the man!