The Cleveland Browns are 4-2 heading into Week 7.
They have found ways to win despite playing below average on defense.
This defense has allowed 30 points or more in every game, but one this season.
The secondary is banged up and desperately needs help before it’s too late.
There are still plenty of valuable free agent defensive backs available, so it might be time for Cleveland to go out and sign one of them.
Safety Problems
Cleveland needs immediate help at the safety position after seeing what has happened over the last few games.
The Browns lost rookie safety Grant Delpit for the entire 2020 season before it even started.
That pushed veteran safety Andrew Sendejo into a bigger role on the team.
To be honest, saying that Sendejo has struggled is putting it nicely.
What was #Browns Andrew Sendejo doing on this touchdown?pic.twitter.com/5LbjJIF16Y
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 4, 2020
The Browns other starting safety Karl Joseph is questionable for the Week 7 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
That means, Cleveland could be looking at Sendejo and second-year player Sheldrick Redwine starting at safety on Sunday.
It’s time for the Browns to consider some free-agent safeties because there are a few that could be huge upgrades for this team.
Sign Eric Reid?
Normally, there isn’t much talent left in free agency by the halfway point in the season.
However, the 2020 season is much different than any other year.
Some of the top free agent safeties still available include Earl Thomas, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and Eric Reid.
All three of them could be immediate upgrades to this Browns roster.
Although, Reid might be the best fit for this scheme and what this team needs right now.
Last season, Reid finished with 130 tackles, four sacks, and six passes defended through 16 games for the Carolina Panthers.
Reid can clearly still play at a high level, but remains unsigned to this point.
Eric Reid with a textbook tackle on maybe the most elusive RB in the NFL. That’s how you do it. pic.twitter.com/0bT3V3zqbv
— Panthers 24/7 (@Panthers24_7) December 18, 2018
It’s quite surprising that a player with 130 tackles last season is unable to find a spot on a roster.
Although, what Reid does off-the-field could have an impact on why teams have avoided signing him.
Reid is a political activist much like his former teammate and friend Colin Kaepernick.
Often times, NFL front offices tend to avoid players that are going to bring increased unwanted media attention to their team.
However, the Browns might need to swallow their pride and bring in Reid to help this defense.
A Fair Deal For Reid
Honestly, Cleveland might just stick with what they have, but they obviously do need to upgrade their secondary.
Right now, this team won’t get far into the playoffs, assuming they make it at all with this defense.
Reid is a veteran player that has put together multiple successful years in the NFL.
His knowledge and veteran presence would be great for these young Browns defenders.
Obviously, Reid is just looking to play in the league again and the Browns desperately need help.
The Browns shouldn’t let what Reid does off-the-field impact their decision to sign him.
Reid would likely take a cheap short-term deal just to prove he can still play and increase his value for next offseason.
The Browns should at least consider signing Reid, assuming he’ll take a reasonable deal.
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