The Cleveland Browns entered the 2019 campaign with the highest expectations despite failing to produce many wins over the last 10 years.
Eric Kush, OL
The Cleveland Browns have one of the league's best downhill runners in running back Nick Chubb, who just nearly led the entire NFL in rushing this past season. Now gearing up for his third professional season, Chubb needs some help up front.
The Browns should attempt to retain veteran interior offensive lineman Eric Kush this offseason. In addition to the fact that Kush can play a variety of different positions, the seasoned blocker won't come with a huge price tag.
Damarious Randall, FS
Former Green Bay Packers free safety Damarious Randall has spent two seasons with the Browns. Although he only appeared in 11 regular season games this past season and produced less, it is hard to forget the campaign Randall previously gave the Browns in 2018.
In 15 regular season games two years ago, Randall tallied a single-season career-high 84 tackles alongside one fumble recovery, four interceptions and nine pass defenses.
Despite the fact that his production dropped in 2019, Randall tallied 2.5 sacks with 61 total tackles and six pass defenses.
The Browns could use Randall as a leader on the field and in the locker room. His versatility will surely add to a stout Browns defense.
Christian Kirksey, LB
It was just recently announced that the Cleveland Browns would not be retaining veteran linebacker Christian Kirksey, who spent the majority of last season on the sideline due to injury.
However, the Browns should seriously consider bringing Kirksey back; the seasoned tackler will have more than a few suitors on the open market. Nonetheless, because Kirksey is coming directly off an injury-plagued campaign in 2019, perhaps he would take a one-year “prove it” deal, which is something that should interest the Browns, who will need to take a hard look at some linebackers.
If the Browns are going to retain Kirksey, though it remains unlikely, Cleveland must make a move before he is able to truly test the open market as an unrestricted free agent.
Joe Schobert, LB
Even before electing to part with Christian Kirksey for good, it was revealed that the Browns would divorce another veteran linebacker, Joe Schobert. Even though Kirksey is a talented player when healthy, Schobert's departure from Cleveland came as much more of a surprise considering the fact that he has reached the Pro Bowl as a result of some seriously stellar play for the Browns.
Due to the fact that the Browns will now be a bit thin at the linebacker position to officially begin the offseason, it is really odd that Cleveland has chosen to part ways with not one but two talented players at a premiere position. It is also worth noting that attempting to bring Schobert back won't be easy as the defensive stalwart will surely garner quite a payday on the open market.