5 free agent backs, including 2 former Browns, that could help fill in, which would you choose?

Charges this weekend should have Browns GM Andrew Berry looking at NFL free agency options

The Cleveland Browns are just days away from rookies reporting for training camp and, reportedly, days away from unveiling their third helmet (which could have a more creative outcome than many are expecting). Unfortunatly, RB Quinshon Judkins made headlines for the wrong reasons this weekend.

Besides the potential suspension, Judkins is among 30 second round picks that have not yet signed their contracts and would be unable to report for the start of training camp.

Judkins, along with veteran Jerome Ford and fellow NFL draft pick Dylan Sampson, was expected to recharge the Browns rushing attack in 2025. Now, the start of his career, like DT Mike Hall Jr. last year, could begin with a suspension. Along with Ford, Sampson and Pierre Strong, Cleveland has just one other back on their roster, undrafted free agent Ahmani Marshall.

A quick look at the NFL free agency market presents a few options, none ready to take over the starting job, if GM Andrew Berry looks to buffer in case of a Judkins suspension:

• Ameer Abdullah- The 32 year old, had just 66 rushing attempts last year but caught 40 passes out of the backfield and had five combined touchdowns.
• Jamaal Williams - At 27, Williams had a breakout year for the Detroit Lions in 2022 with over 1,000 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. In the two seasons since, Williams has had just 470 rushing yards and two touchdowns with the New Orleans Saints. Just 30 years old, perhaps a new environment could see a resurgence.
• Gus Edwards - Browns fans are familiar with “The Gus Bus” from his five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens where he averaged 4.9 yards a carry. Last year with the Los Angeles Chargers saw his carries dip but he still had four rushing touchdowns.
• D’Ernest Johnson - After spending four years in Cleveland to start his career, Johnson has never recaptured his 2021 form but is a professional running back that can help provide depth.
• D’Onta Foreman - A return seems unlikely but the Browns might value knowing Foreman in looking for another back for training camp. In 11 games last year, Foreman had his lowest yards per carry average (3.3) but might fit better in the new system being implemented in Berea this year.

If you had to choose, which of the five above free agent running backs would you have the Browns sign?

Share your thoughts in the comment section below.