Three Edge Defenders not Named Jadeveon Clowney

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1921 days ago

The Browns feel they need help on the edge even after signing Adrian Clayborn to go with starters, Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. The proof is in the chase for star edge Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney has turned down the Browns initial offer according to multiple media outlets. Some media are saying the Browns are still trying to get a deal done with Clowney. Others say, don’t believe everything you read when it comes to the negotiations. It is likely somewhere in between. While those rumors persist, here are three edge defenders the Browns could sign that would provide the help they seek. As a bonus, all three may come much cheaper than Clowney also.

1. Everson Griffen

Three Edge Defenders — Dec 23, 2019; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) take the field prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Age: 32 | Height: 6-3| Weight: 273 pounds

Everson is the easy choice outside, or instead of, Jadeveon Clowney. Even at the age of 32, Griffen put up a productive season for the Minnesota Vikings. Signing Everson could spell the end of Olivier Vernon, but the Browns have the cap space for both this season. Myles, a healthy Vernon, Everson Griffen, and Clayborn, would form a deep rotation for 2020.

Here is what Pro Football Focus has to say about the free-agent defensive end.

“Griffen earned the two highest single-season PFF pass-rushing grades of his career in 2017 and 2019. This past season, he earned a 76.6 PFF pass-rushing grade and recorded a career-high 70 total pressures across 596 pass-rushing snaps. The 32-year-old veteran still has enough in the tank to offer value off the edge in the NFL.”

Sounds like a player that still has something in the tank. Maybe a two year $25-30 million deal gets it done?

2. Vinny Curry

Age: 31 | Height: 6-3| Weight: 279 pounds

How Vinny Curry is still a free agent is a bit astounding. Curry had a strong season for the Eagles in 2019. In only 393 snaps, Curry was able to make an impact rushing the passer and could provide the same in Cleveland. Pairing Curry with Clayborn could provide the Browns with two of the best back up rushers in the NFL. Signing Curry is a depth move, but a great one.

PFF’s take on Curry:

“Thirty-one-year-old Vinny Curry had a career year in 2019 as a pass-rusher, posting an 81.7 pass-rush grade ranking 12th at his position and pressure rate that tied for fourth with J.J. Watt at 16.9%. Curry spent one season away from Philadelphia before returning in 2019 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and he posted the worst grade of his career both overall and as a pass-rusher. He’s generated a consistent amount of pressure in his time with Philadelphia outside of 2019 (top 20 in pressure rate in 2016 and 2017) and would be great added depth.”

3. Jabaal Sheard

Age: 31 | Height: 6-3| Weight: 268 pounds

Sheard is the last choice because he had the worst year of his career in 2019. The idea here is that at 31, Jabaal may not be the starter he once was but with limited snaps could provide great depth. Sheard has been a consistent force for a long time and likely just had an off-year. For Berry and company, this could be a cheap 1-2 year deal that could pay off big if he returns to form. Jabaal Sheard was a good defensive end when his career started with the Browns. Maybe he can find that magic again near the end.

PFF’s take on Sheard:

“In his third season with the Colts in 2019, Jabaal Sheard had a year he probably wants to forget. He finished the season with the lowest PFF grade in his nine-year career by far and with his run-defense and tackling being his downfall. Shear posted a 47.7 run-defense grade ranking 101st of 106 qualifying edges and missed tackles at one of the highest rates with missing 25% of his attempts. His pass-rushing was below-average too, owning a grade in that facet that didn’t crack the 50th percentile.”

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