The Cleveland Browns had the #4 defense last year. However, the number of free agents on their list that they could lose is a sad sight.
Unrestricted free agents comprise LB Jerome Baker, S Rayshawn Jenkins, DE Cameron Thomas, CB D’Angelo Ross, DT Shelby Harris, CB Tre Avery, DE Julian Okwara, LB Devin Bush, and CB M.J. Emerson. Restricted free agents are DE Sam Kamara, S Ronnie Hickman, CB Sam Webb, and LB Mohamoud Diabate. The exclusive free agent list includes LB Winston Reid and CB Anthony Kendall.
Losing Jenkins, especially Hickman, would really hurt the safety room. Both players were relied on for run support this past season. Browns GM Andrew Berry has the opportunity to retain both once the free agency period begins on March 9. But what if he doesn’t? What if another team swoops down and signs one or the other, or both?
Right now, Cleveland’s safety group consists of Grant Delpit (6’-3”, 208 pounds), Chris Edmonds (6’-2”, 210 pounds), and Donovan McMillon (6’-2”, 203 pounds). Delpit is one of the roster’s best tacklers, and both Edmonds and McMillon are considered up-and-comers who shine on special teams and are awaiting their opportunity.
McMillon played in all 17 games this past season with 15 total tackles and a sack. He had 310 special teams snaps, and towards the end of the season, he was inserted into the regular defense more. Edmonds logged nine games with 154 special teams snaps and had seven tackles.
So, the room needs help. If Hickman does indeed leave, there is trouble in paradise with the safety room.
Jalen Thompson of the Cardinals could come in and become the Day 1 starter for the Browns
NFL draft: 2019 Round 5, Supplemental draft (Cardinals)
2025 season: 15 starts, 95 tackles, 0 QB hits, 1 sack, 0 interceptions, 5 batted passes, 1 pressure, 2 hurries, 0 knockdowns, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 0 fumble recoveries, 5 missed tackles, 38 receptions allowed, 980 defensive snaps (98%), 48 special teams snaps (2%)
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Berry is a former college cornerback, so he has always provided the defensive back room with plenty of talent and developmental players. This group is Berry’s pet project.
This past NFL season, the Browns ranked #4 in the league in defense. Break that down into the #3 passing defense and the #16 rushing defense, so the importance of pass coverage with Cleveland’s defense has been a huge focus.
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Thompson is a good tackler and very productive. In his last five seasons, his total tackles were 121, 110, 78, 98, and 95. That is an active safety helping the run game. 578 career tackles in just seven seasons.
Arizona is not happy about Thompson being on the free agent list. They want him, and feature Budda Baker, who was voted to his eighth Pro Bowl this past season. The tandem did a fantastic job in run support and playing center field.
Thompson is very durable and has missed just six games. 99 games played with 87 NFL starts, so he has the experience.
His handwork is excellent and is very tough against the run. Thompson has no issue coming down to strike the ballcarrier or play one of the linebackers in the 4-2-5 setup. He can cover larger tight ends and is strong enough in the lower body to hold up at the point of attack. He can consistently get off the blocker. Instinct is his superpower.
He possesses a great motor and demonstrates the ability to counter inside. He plays with a firm base when setting the edge. Thompson is a reliable tackler with just five missed tackles this past year.
The knock on him is that he lacks the ideal length to ward off blockers, and allows offensive linemen to get into his chest on occasion at the second level.
He was paid $12 million last season on the final year of a three-year deal with the Cardinals.