How the Browns Can Get Back to the Playoffs: They Need a Starting Safety
The Cleveland Browns had a tough 2024, finishing 3-14, so their main goal is to turn things around in 2025 and get back in the playoff hunt. The defense, which was the league’s best in 2023, dropped off a bit last season. Meanwhile, the offense was dead last in scoring, averaging just 15.2 points per game.
The Browns are in better shape financially now, sitting $19.2 million under the salary cap after restructuring some contracts, including Deshaun Watson’s. GM Andrew Berry has said that cap space won’t stop them from making moves if the right opportunities come along.
Now, with the fourth year of Watson’s massive $230 million contract coming up, Berry is ready to be aggressive and make whatever moves are necessary to make the team a Super Bowl contender.
One of the key moves the Browns need to make is getting a starting safety.
The team has tried to fix this position before with John Johnson and Juan Thornhill, but it hasn’t worked out. Thornhill struggled with injuries, missing six games in both seasons, and never picked off a pass. Rodney McLeod also retired, leaving Grant Delpit as the only guaranteed starter. Ronnie Hickman, a third-year safety, split time with Thornhill, but the Browns need a more solid option next to Delpit.
Free Agent Options
There are still some good safeties left on the market, though most of the top names are already gone. Here’s a look at some solid options:
– Justin Simmons A seasoned player with 32 career interceptions. He’s been solid every year and could take over McLeod’s role.
– Julian Blackmore A young guy at 26 who’s been productive.
– Mike Hilton, Quandre Diggs, Marcus Maye, and Jordan Power All veterans who could step in and play a significant role.
Draft Options
If the Browns look to the draft, here are some promising safeties:
– Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) A top prospect at 6-3, 227 pounds.
– Malaki Starks (Georgia) Another highly rated safety at 6-1, 205 pounds.
– Xavier Watts (Notre Dame) A solid option, 6-0, 203 pounds.
– Lathan Ransom (Ohio State) A great player out of a national champion team, 6-1, 209 pounds.
The Browns haven’t done much with the safety position yet, and with Thornhill leaving and McLeod retiring, they could use another veteran to pair with Delpit. It’s possible they’ll add a free agent before the draft or snag a rookie who can learn from a veteran.
Revamping the Browns’ Defense: Step 6 – Finding a Game-Changing Safety
