The Cleveland Browns are in the market for an elite edge rusher, particularly if Za’Darius Smith departs in free agency. Their robust defense in 2023 makes Northeast Ohio an attractive destination for free agents.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests that the Browns are the second-best fit for Minnesota Vikings’ Danielle Hunter, a versatile player who could seamlessly integrate into any defensive scheme. Hunter’s potential pairing with Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, could form one of the NFL’s most formidable pass-rushing tandems.
Hunter’s performance in the 2023 season was outstanding, with career highs in sacks and tackles for loss. Despite the Minnesota Vikings’ desire to retain him, Hunter is likely to explore free agency for a lucrative deal, with the Browns among the interested teams. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports that Hunter’s contract demands could exceed his previous deal, possibly surpassing $20 million annually.
However, the Browns’ current salary cap situation may pose a challenge in acquiring Hunter. With limited cap space, restructuring contracts and negotiating extensions for key players like Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper, and Nick Chubb could provide the financial flexibility needed to pursue Hunter or other free agents effectively.
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