Sportsnaut
On Tuesday morning, the Cleveland Browns held their breath when talented defensive back Martin Emerson Jr. went down with a non-contact injury. That is always a sign of a very serious injury. Well, that was confirmed today when the team announced he has a torn Achilles and will undergo season-ending surgery.
Obviously, Cleveland will look at the replacement options internally and on the trade block. But are there any worthwhile choices still left in NFL free agency? We look at players the Browns could kick the tires on this week.
Five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore has a case for Hall of Fame consideration when his career is over. However, at 34, he isn’t quite done with the NFL. Sure, he is well past his prime. However, he is still a very competent cornerback who had two interceptions and 13 passes defended with the Dallas Cowboys a couple of years ago. Having a former star and veteran in the secondary to add depth isn’t a bad idea.
One-time Pro Bowler James Bradberry remains a free agent despite being a starter on an elite Philadelphia Eagles defense that led the team to a Super Bowl earlier this year. Last season was certainly a down year for Bradberry, but the 31-year-old is a proven ball hawk. And if they can’t get a major impact replacement, a player who is skilled at getting turnovers is welcome.
The pickings will be thin on the free agent market after big names like Gilmore and Bradberry. However, there are still rock-solid veterans like Kendall Fuller. He has been a full-time starter in the league for the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders, and at the very least, he brings veteran depth to a secondary that could use it after Emerson Jr.’s injury.
Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers veteran Rasul Douglas is another solid veteran option on the free agent market. He has bounced around a good bit during his eight-year career, but it hasn’t stopped several teams from trusting him with one of their starting cornerback spots. Like Bradberry, he is a ball hawk who has reeled in four or more interceptions in a season three times.
Asante Samuel Jr. has not been anywhere close to as good as his father over his four seasons in the league. Plus, he missed much of 2024 following neck surgery and wasn’t re-signed by the Los Angeles Chargers. However, unlike the other players on this list, the former second-round pick is only 25 and may still have some untapped potential. Mattering on price, he would be worth bringing in to see if defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz can help pull that potential out of him.
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