Brown’s Free Agent Proposal Adds Sheldon Richardson to D-Line

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Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski (L) talks to team owner Jimmy Haslam.

The Cleveland Browns have spent the offseason making moves for the future, but the answer to what they need most in the present may lie in their recent past.

There are two positions on the list that raise the most doubts in Cleveland. On offense, it’s wide receiver. In defense, it’s defensive tackle.

The Browns appear to think the WR space is set, at least for now unofficial depth map for week 1 against the Carolina Panther was released on Tuesday September 6th. Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones are the two starters. Rookie David Bell and the much-maligned Anthony Schwartz, who struggled with drop issues this preseason, are listed as backups.

However, defensive tackle is less secure. Browns insiders believe The team has been actively trying to strengthen the interior of its Front Seven for months, although it’s unclear why the organization has yet to make a final game to add depth there.

With the start of the regular season just five days away, a handful of free agent options remain available. That includes a possible reunion with former DT Sheldon Richardson, who started at the position in Cleveland for two years before joining the Minnesota Vikings last season.

Richardson reinforces Browns’ pass rush duo of Garrett, Clowney

Getty ImagesDefensive end Myles Garrett (left) high-fives Cleveland Browns teammate and pass-rusher Jadeveon Clowney (right).

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggested Tuesday that of all the free agents remaining in all positions, Richardson best fits Cleveland and its needs.

His argument includes the notion that Richardson’s collaboration with All Pro Myles Garrett and fellow pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney could make the defensive line one of the Browns’ standout strengths rather than a question mark due to a lack of internal depth.

Only of the four defensive tackles on the active list Taven Bryan – a first-round pick in 2018 Jacksonville Jaguars — has more than two years of experience. Jordan Eliot and Tommy Togiai have played a total of 38 games. Perrion Winfrey is a fourth-round rookie.

It would do the Browns well to add a veteran to the mix, and it would make a lot of sense to bring back Sheldon Richardson. … The Browns are leading the league cap space, have a need at DT and have a potentially excellent fit at Richardson. This is a pairing that should be made immediately.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com already suggested a reunion with Richardson in mid-July, just as training camp was about to begin.

“[Richardson] is good in the dressing room and would be a strong mentor to a young player like Perrion Winfrey, who was selected in the fourth round,” Cabot wrote on July 19. “He also has a knack for keeping Myles Garrett motivated.”

Richardson has started for the Browns, 3 other NFL defenses

GettyFormer Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.

Richardson will enter his 10th pro season this month. However, the former Pro Bowler has been a prolific starter at every stop along the way.

The New York Jets selected Richardson in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, and he earned his Pro Bowl honors the following year. He had a brief stint with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017 before playing in Cleveland for the following two seasons.

Richardson spent the final year with the Vikings, starting in fewer than 11 games (seven starts) for the first time in his career. The tackle yielded 39 tackles, including six for losses, 13 QB hits, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 17 appearances, per Pro Soccer Reference.