Cleveland Browns free agency 2021: Top 5 targets

2. Mike Hilton

Hilton is another AFC North player the Browns should target in free agency. Like the aforementioned Poole, he’s miscast as an outside corner. He’s an even better option for Cleveland to employ in the slot.

His ability to perform at a high level in both man-to-man and zone schemes will make him a popular target on the open market. Slot corners still don’t get paid at the same level as their peers on the outside. The Browns should look to take advantage of this market inefficiency assuming it still persists this offseason.

The idea of dealing a blow to the Steelers makes the idea of signing Hilton even more appealing. He’s a player that has given Mayfield significant problems during his Pittsburgh career. Removing that impediment and adding it to their own defense should strongly interest decision-makers in Cleveland.

The Browns shouldn’t break the bank for Hilton, but they shouldn’t be afraid to give him a multi-year deal with a moderate amount of guaranteed money. A three-year deal with an average annual value of $4-$5 million could pay off handsomely for the Browns.