Thinking about some guys who would interest me as targets for the Browns. Not going to get into trades, only considering guys who are ticketed to be free agents as the new league year opens up.
WR:
Golden Tate - Philadelphia - Yes he's getting older, but he's still incredibly good and his talent playing in space is perfect for this offense that is predicated on it. I think we're over-rating size as it pertains to this WR group. Tate would be an excellent addition to stretch the field and be a playmaker for Baker.
Donte Moncreif - Jacksonville - Getting away from Bortles alone would help. He always flashed talent in Indy and Jax, but his career was on an upward trajectory until he stopped having good QB play. He's still only 25, this is another project who would play up in this offense. 6'2, 220 with a 39'' vertical and good quickness.
Adam Humphries - Tampa Bay - I know, I know. He's a slot guy, but he's really good and also just 25. Let's focus on what he does well, and how he can help this team. Incredibly consistent and reliable, moves the chains at a good clip, runs very good route. All of which would work with Monken/Kitchens.
John Brown - Baltimore - A little older than the rest, but probably the only other receiver I'd consider for his deep speed and field stretching abilities.
Tight End:
Maxx Williams - Baltimore - Chance to steal away a good TE from a division rival. Good blocking TE and will not turn 25 until later this year. Never had a QB adept at getting tight ends the football, and wouldn't need to be a major volume guy with Njoku.
Demetrius Harris - Kansas City - Obviously has ties to Dorsey, and has been used primarily as a matchup receiver. Given the overall lack of size at receiver, could be an interesting fit.
Defensive End:
Preston Smith - Washington - Underrated pass rush specialist that spent most of his time on the same side as Garrett. If he's willing to play the stronger side, I think he'd be a great pair.
Za'Darius Smith - Baltimore - Busted out this year with 24 pressure and 9 sacks. Go steal him from a rival and plug him in.
Brandon Graham - Philadelphia - Going to be 31, but still has gas in the tank. Developed veteran who would benefit by having Garrett on the opposite side.
Benson Mayowa - Arizona - Journeyman lineman played with Wilkes last year in Arizona. Similar numbers to Graham, but three years younger.
Defensive Tackle:
Malcom Brown - New England - Hesitant to invest in Pats players, but Brown has been a favorite of mine since he came out. Still only 25 and knows how to stuff the run well. Could be the 1-tech who allows LarryO to move to his more natural 3-tech.
Rodney Gunter - Arizona - Another Wilkes guy, he really broke out this year and turned into a strong player. Would be more of a 3-tech, but obviously has some connections here.
Linebacker:
Jordan Hicks - Philadelphia - He's going to get paid. Best on the market, IMO. Three-down player would be a much better fit than Collins.
Anthony Barr - Minnesota - Has somewhat tailed off career wise, and hasn't been as good in coverage as he once was. That said, I think this is a reclamation project type of guy who won't get paid as well as some thing.
Gerald Hodges - Arizona - Another Wilkes guy who could fit. Really think he's underrated as a player, he always seems like he's around the ball.
Kwon Alexander - Tampa Bay - Coming off an ACL, plays with some reckless abandon.
LJ Fort - Pittsburgh - Former Brown finally found a home in Pittsburgh, but he's a good player. Would be interested to bring him back.
Cornerback:
Steven Nelson - Kansas City - Former Dorsey pick, had an up and down year and was getting picked on a bit towards the end. They struck gold in Mitchell last year, maybe they'll dip into that pool again.