NFL insider says Cleveland Browns are in hot pursuit of a top free agent, and its a potential signing they may want to rethink
The Browns are after a top NFC offensive line free agent and it’s a questionable move at best.
NFL free agency gets started today and the Cleveland Browns will be among the teams looking to improve their roster for the 2026 season.
For Cleveland, much of the work needs to happen on its struggling offense. The offensive line specifically has four spots up for grabs following the trade for Tytus Howard to be the right tackle.
Cleveland is already being connected to several possible signings, but they may want to rethink the latest.
The Browns are in hot pursuit of Washington Commanders’ free agent
Cleveland doesn’t yet have a decision from LG Joel Bitonio on whether he will return for another season or retire. The Browns are letting RG Wyatt Teller walk in free agency, so they’re going to need at least one guard.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Browns are a team after free agent to be G Chris Paul, who has spent his first four NFL seasons with the Commanders.
“Maybe the most interesting one is Commanders guard Chris Paul (no, not that Chris Paul), who appears to have priced himself out of Washington with teams like Cleveland in hot pursuit. Paul became a full-time starter for the first time three weeks into his fourth pro season and is trending to one of those “He got what?!” sorts of deals.” — Albert Breer, SI
The Browns must be cautious with this potential signing
Paul is not a player the Browns should be looking to overpay on the free agent market. The 2022 seventh-round pick was not a full-time starter in Washington for his first three seasons before becoming one a couple of games into the 2025 season. Paul is a very strong pass blocker, but a below-average run blocker.
According to Pro Football Focus, Paul allowed two sacks and just 17 pressures in 535 pass blocking reps last season. Paul had a 38.2 run blocking grade, which ranked 78th out of 81 guards, per PFF. The Browns have to get a lot better at pass protection up front over last season, but bringing in a bad run blocker isn’t the way to go for an offense wanting to get Quinshon Judkins going in Year 2.
Cleveland should have some interest in Paul, but they can’t overpay for a player who doesn’t have more than one season showing he can be a solid starter.
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The Browns have an important week ahead with the construction of its roster through free agency.
