The Cleveland Browns have some decisions to make this offseason with the draft and free agency. That includes bolstering their defensive line unit. The Browns got blown out in their playoff game after a successful season, Their offense made plays and the defense was amongst the best in a variety of categories.
3 Defensive Lineman the Browns Could Explore Signing in Free Agency
The Orange and Brown May Add to an Already Talented Unit on the Defense
The defensive line features one of the top players in the league: Myles Garrett. However, his counterpart, Za’darius Smith, may not be with the team next season. Even if the team re-signs him, they will look to add another name to their defensive line unit for the 2024 season. There are many big names on the market, and here are a few names that will be floated around this offseason.
Chase Young Would Add to the Browns’ Defensive Line Unit in Free Agency
The former Ohio man and Ohio State product, Chase Young was selected 2nd in the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent his first four seasons with the team that drafted him, the Washington Commanders. After seven games with the Commanders in 2023, a trade sent him to the Super Bowl-bound San Francisco 49ers.
Young registered 10 total tackles and 2.5 sacks as the 49ers made a run to the final game of the year. Regardless of numbers, he would be a big addition to the defensive line unit for the Browns even without great production numbers. Young has 100 total tackles, 16.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in his four professional seasons.
Chase Young making his presence known early with the sack @youngchase907😈 pic.twitter.com/VS3bU2WuZT
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) February 12, 2024
At 6’5 and 264 pounds, his size and strength would make him a great addition if the Browns want to make a splash. Bringing him back to Ohio as a second option to Garrett would mean easier matchups. The young defensive end under Jim Schwartz’s system is a scenery change Young may seek.
Dream Signing in Chris Jones For Defensive Line Unit
Next up, the Super Bowl Champion Chris Jones is 29 and has many rumors floating around his future in Kansas City. An early second-round pick in 2016, Jones has spent all eight seasons with the Chiefs. He would be another huge addition to the defensive line unit, and his consistency has been proven in his numbers.
Additionally, Jones has played 123 games and registered 273 total tackles, 75.7 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.
If grier and @MiamiDolphins let Christian Wilkins walk. Grier deserves to be fired. Especially if he walks without a franchise tag trade. pic.twitter.com/EznETyFgQR
— Keith mcclendon (@KeithMcclendo55) March 4, 2024
The numbers are as good as anyone in the league, and he is not slowing down. Jones totaled 30 tackles and 10.5 sacks this past season. He would be a wrecking crew on the inside with the rest of the Browns’ talented line.
Christian Wilkins
Wilkins was the 13th in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he has seen an uptick in production each season. He has spent all of his five seasons with the Miami Dolphins. Wilkins has been dynamic and a playmaker for the Dolphins and is coming off his best season by a good margin.
Wilkins had 65 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 2023. His numbers show he has imported each season, and is due for a large sum of money this offseason.
However, it is a big price to pay. Wilkins will hit free agency after the Dolphins opted not to franchise tag him. A situation similar to the Chiefs with Jones. In conclusion, the Browns save some money elsewhere and go all in on the line. If so, they would remain one of the best in the league with Wilkins helping the defensive line unit.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
