The Cleveland Browns are not going to back down and appear to be serious about adding another Pro Bowl caliber pass rusher to their defense.
Two possible candidates in Lavonte David and Leonard Williams were franchise tagged this week, but that still leaves Cleveland with a handful of capable options.
The front office is seeking to replace Olivier Vernon who is set to become a free agent this offseason.
On Tuesday, the Browns released defensive end Adrian Clayborn in order to save cap space.
Cleveland has plenty of money and an obvious need for an elite pass rusher, so expect the front office to be aggressive in the coming weeks.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com:
“With the Browns seeking to replace Olivier Vernon, who suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the season finale, they’ll target a pass-rusher who can deliver double-digit sacks, and there are plenty of candidates.”
Bring In Bud Dupree?
One of the bigger names swirling around the Browns camp is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree.
The 28-year-old won’t be cheap, but has been productive throughout his career.
Pittsburgh decided to not franchise tag Dupree after he suffered a torn ACL for the second straight season.
Despite getting injured, Dupree finished with the second-most sacks on the team with eight last year.
He has recorded 19.5 sacks over the last two seasons, which is the eighth-most in the NFL.
Plus, signing Dupree away from the Steelers would only weaken their defense.
The Steelers season went south after Bud Dupree’s injury. I get it. He’s missed a lot of games. But letting him walk in free agency would mean another crucial defensive piece missing in a division with Lamar, Baker + Burrow.
— Damon Amendolara (@DamonAmendo) March 9, 2021
It sounds like Dupree should be fully ready to participate in training camp this August.
Although, his market value is estimated at $18.2 million, according to Spotrac.com.
That would make Dupree the second-highest paid player on the Browns roster behind Myles Garrett.
It’s unclear if the Browns want to hand out that kind of money to a player coming off a second ACL injury.
Other Possible Options
Obviously, taking Dupree from the Steelers would be helpful, but the Browns need to do what is best for their team.
There are plenty of other capable options such as Shaquil Barrett, Yannick Ngakoue, and Trey Hendrickson.
Those players are going to demand significant contracts, but the Browns might be able to find a steal this offseason.
One of the more intriguing options for Cleveland is 25-year-old defensive end Carl Lawson.
The former fourth-round pick spent four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, but is set to become a free agent.
Last season, Lawson earned the ninth-best pass-rushing grade, according to Profootballfocus.com.
Carl Lawson *NSFW* pic.twitter.com/8TiQXurQtS
— The 585 Report (@585Report) March 4, 2021
It’s also worth noting that Lawson finished tied for 15th with 34 quarterback hurries last season.
In 2020, Lawson finished with 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 16 games.
Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Browns being able to sign Lawson for around $8-10 million per season.
He doesn’t put up the flashy “Pro Bowl” numbers, but Lawson is a reliable pass rushing option.
I dedicate this one to the Carl Lawson hype train conductor @MereKatKat pic.twitter.com/lVvYt0BEEi
— The 585 Report (@585Report) March 4, 2021
Although, the Browns could always go the route of a possible Von Miller or Jadeveon Clowney.
Those types of players are going to cost significant money and that is no guarantee that they produce better numbers than a player like Lawson.
The Browns front office has a lot of work to do this offseason, but there is no need to rush into signing a pass rusher.
They need to do their homework and find the best fit for this organization in the long haul.
NEXT: Former Browns HC Freddie Kitchens Given New Role With Giants
