Browns should look into signing an AFC North opponent’s one-time prized possession in free agency
Cleveland Browns could look right around the division to fill a team need in free agency. On the roster currently for the Browns at defensive tackle when not counting impending free agents Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika. Cleveland is going to be adding multiple bodies at the position this offseason. Cincinnati Bengals DT D.J. Reader […]
Cleveland Browns could look right around the division to fill a team need in free agency.
On the roster currently for the Browns at defensive tackle when not counting impending free agents Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika. Cleveland is going to be adding multiple bodies at the position this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals DT D.J. Reader is expected to hit free agency and the Browns should at least sniff around the idea of bringing him in.
Pros and cons of the Browns signing D.J Reader
Pros: Reader is one of the best run stoppers that the game has to offer at nearly 340 pounds. Cleveland could pair Reader with Tomlinson to form one of the best defensive interiors in the NFL, if not the best. The big defensive tackle has looked like a star at times on the field with how disruptive he can be. While the sack numbers aren’t popping out throughout his career, he is a capable pass rusher who is going to give you some pressure in the middle of the pocket.
Cons: Reader never played more than 15 games in Cincinnati and he is averaging 12 games played there over the last two seasons. There is some worry about the stud defender staying healthy and that will have a bother on his price tag.
What it would cost the Browns to sign DT D.J. Reader
Last year, we watched Javon Hargrave sign a big deal and the Browns were interested in him. Cleveland went on to pay Tomlinson a lesser deal, though it was significant. If the Browns want a player like Reader, it’s going to cost them and it’s going to be a big investment in the defensive line overall.
- 3 years, $34.5 million, $11.5 million APY, $22.5 million GTD
- Year One Cap Hit: $6.5 million
Final word
The Browns may not want to invest that much into the interior of the defensive line and instead could use it on the EDGE. But a player like Reader could take this defense to the next level and give them a bonafide run-stopper that does it with the best of them.
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