By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE
The Cleveland Browns' off-season has been pretty busy. Revamping the coaching staff with a new defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams and defensive coaches, a new quarterbacks coach and offensive line coach.
The Browns also re-signed Jamie Collins for four years/$50 Million and signed multiple special team players including punter Britton Colquitt, long snapper Charley Hughlett, a claimed former Ohio State Buckeye and Bedford Grad Tyvis Powell off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks. But going into Free Agency the Browns have the most cap space in the NFL (over $100 Million).
The Browns have four notable free agents going into the new league year...and its headlined by Terrelle Pryor. Pryor's market value is interesting. Reports state that the Browns offered Pryor $8 Million per year but Pryor is seeking between 10-12 Million instead. All in all the Browns are the favorites to land Pryor. The other free agents are right tackle Austin Pasztor, defensive end Stephen Paea and safety Jordan Poyer and they all might be replaced.
Here is a list of a number of players who could be on the Browns radar.
Kevin Zeitler: Zeitler was a first round in 2012 for the Cincinnati Bengals and would fit perfectly at right guard for the Browns. Zeitler is really good and has only missed eight games in his entire career (last missed game was in 2014). Zeitler lined up next to Cam Erving/rookie center and someone like last year's third round pick Shone Coleman would give a veteran presences on the right side of the offensive line. Zeitler is going to cost a little bit but the Browns have more than enough cap room to entice him. Hue Jackson is also familiar with Zeitler from his time with the Bengals.
Duron Harmon: The 26 year old is a two-time super bowl champion with the Patriots. Harmon is looking to get paid and get starting reps. Harmon is a free safety, which the Browns haven't had since Tashaun Gipson in 2013. Harmon was used mostly in sub packages and nickle and dime packages. Harmon would be a good fit because he is coming from a winning program and the Browns need guys like that help change the culture on and off the playing field.
A.J. Bouye: Bouye might not be the most realistic free agent pickup but he is the best and youngest cornerback on the market. Not saying the Browns corners are terrible and signing Bouye might seem excessive but it would put the secondary on lock. And a defensive backfield headlined by Bouye and Haden could only help the Browns pass rush (which is hopefully lead by Myles Garrett).
Colin Kaepernick: After a solid year on a terrible team, Kaepernick is looking for a fresh start. Robert Griffin III couldn't stay healthy and his time in Cleveland could be over before free agency officially starts. Kaepernick last year threw for 16 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions with probably the worst supporting cast in the NFL. Hue Jackson loved Kaepernick in 2011 before the draft while being the Head Coach of the Raiders. Kaepernick could be a perfect stop-gap quarterback for the Browns. They can still win games and still draft their franchise quarterback in this upcoming draft.
Chance Warmack: Another first round pick who's looking for a new home. The Titans took him 10th overall in 2010 and has been a bit of a disappointment. The Titans declined his 5th year option for this year making Warmack an unrestricted free agent. He's only 25 years old and if the Browns don't sign Zeitler, Warmack could be a cheaper and younger alternative. Its a very low-risk, medium reward.
Kendall Wright: Wright was projected to be a Brown in 2012 but was taken one pick before the Browns. At 27 years old, Wright would fit as the slot receiver for the Browns. Lined up next to Coleman and Terrelle Pryor, along with the two running backs and Gary Barnidge, Wright would be another weapon for Hue Jackson to use. Yes, Wright's stats have decreased since 2013, but he would be an affordable option (like the Browns need affordable).
Its going to be interesting to see what the Browns have up their sleeves the next few weeks heading into the draft. If the Browns can sign one or two of these guys and Terrelle Pryor, the Browns would be in a great situation for the draft. The Browns aren't going to break the bank this off-season but it sounds like they will be aggressive in free agency.
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