5 teams who could sign Darnell Dockett

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns are another of many teams that are in the market for a key defensive lineman. Ahtyba Rubin was the Browns nose tackle last year (they also play a 3-4 set, good for Dockett) and he finished with 28 tackles in one sack but missed some games due to injury and the Browns are not likely to re-sign him.

This would be a great spot for Dockett who could step in and be a starter right away on a team that struggles heavily on defense as they were ranked 23rd in total defense last season. Defensive end Desmond Bryant has a great season for the Browns last year recording 49 tackles and five sacks and grabbing a fumble. Adding to Bryant’s success is what the Browns need this offseason, and adding a positive, strong football player like Darnell Dockett will be really good for them.

Cleveland is slated for the 12th and 19th overall picks in the NFL Draft and most mock drafts have them taking wide receiver or a defensive tackle/nose tackle. By signing Darnell Dockett they could knock out the need for a defensive tackle now and go all in on wide receiver and offensive lineman with their first two picks.

Cleveland ranks third among teams with the most open cap space right now and they could give Dockett the $6.8 million that he’s looking for.

The Browns currently have defensive tackle Phil Taylor, but they still have a chance to release Taylor and save $5 million. The lineman had an extra deal placed on his four year contract, but the fifth year can be dropped if he’s cut before March 10. The Browns could and maybe should cut Taylor to save the $5 million and then use that $5 million toward a contract with Darnell Dockett who has more skill and is hungry to win.