Star defensive tackle could be great fit on Browns in free agency

The Cleveland Browns fell well short of expectations during the 2022 season. They had high expectations coming into the season but were unable to meet them. While many people would point to Deshaun Watson’s absence from the lineup being the reason why Jacoby Brissett more than held his own.

The Browns offense was not the issue during the 2022 season. They were 18th in points for and 14th in yardage gained, relatively strong numbers when considering they were starting their backup for a majority of the season. Being able to lean on Nick Chubb in the backfield certainly helps matters.

Defensively is where Cleveland fell apart. They were 20th in points allowed and 14 in yardage, but their real Achilles heel was stopping the run. The Browns were 25th in rushing yards allowed and 29th in rushing touchdowns.

Looking to shore up that area of their defense, the Browns should be aggressive in the offseason looking to add upgrades. To accomplish that goal, Cleveland has been predicted to sign defensive tackle Javon Hargrave away from the Philadelphia Eagles.

2022 was a career season for Hargrave, who was dominant on the interior for Philadelphia. He recorded 11 sacks with 10 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback hits. He lived in the opponent’s backfield and that is the exact kind of thing that the Browns are lacking from the defensive tackle position.

Now 30 years old, Hargrave could be looking to cash in on one more long-term contract. He is a versatile player that can not only get after the quarterback but be a run-stuffer as well. During his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers that was his main task, so he is not scheme reliant to succeed.

The raw numbers don’t even paint the whole picture of their struggles, as Cleveland gave up the most expected points added per rush in 2022. They changed defensive coordinators, hiring Jim Schwartz to take over the job. That is another positive for the team pursuing Hargrave, as Schwartz coached him with the Eagles in 2020.