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NFL Free Agency 2020: 3 Targets for each team

By Nicholas McGee

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 15: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 19: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a play in the first half against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 19: Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a play in the first half against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship game at Levi’s Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns

1. Jimmie Ward
2. Bryan Bulaga
3. Austin Hooper

The Browns have $58m in cap space at their disposal, and safety will be expected to be a focus of their offseason plans after it proved a problem area throughout their disappointing 2019.

Ward should garner significant interest on the open market after finally enjoying a breakout year with the 49ers as their single-high safety. His versatility to play the deep middle, down in the box, as a nickel and as a boundary corner will only further his appeal to the Browns and other potential suitors.

Yet Cleveland’s ability to bounce back from a 6-10 season will almost certainly be tied to whether Baker Mayfield can regain his sparkling form of 2018 after falling well short of expectations in his sophomore season.

Better protection is a necessity if Mayfield is to achieve that aim and Bulaga is a veteran who can bring much-needed solidity to an offensive line that has long lacked it.

David Njoku was limited to four games last season. Adding a second tight end to pair with him is a move well worth the Browns’ consideration and they will not find a better option on the market than Hooper, who will command a hefty price tag after a breakout season.

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