Cleveland is expected to be active in free agency this offseason and it looks like they’re off to an early start. After being linked to ex-Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger for the better part of a week now, it appears the rumor is bringing to take the shape of an official contract offer. According to Adrian Wilson of Ravens Insider, the Browns are “closing in” on a deal with Kruger.
Sources say Browns are closing in on their target: Ravens pass rushing outside linebacker Paul Kruger. Nothing official yet of course
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2013
Kruger has been a target for the Browns for some time now, so it comes as no surprise that they’re close to offering him a big contract. Other than the Browns, interest in Kruger has remained minor with only the Colts showing enough interest in the linebacker to make the Browns nervous about their prospects of landing him.
Cliff Avril is also expected to be offered a contract, but while he’s being entertained by numerous other teams, Kruger has always been the Browns No. 1 target in free agency.
Some believe that Kruger is going to be overpaid, but no numbers have been floated just yet. Free agency opens officially at 4pm ET on Tuesday and it’s sounding like the Browns will be one of the first teams active in getting a serious offer out to a player.