Restricted free agency presents another avenue for the Cleveland Browns to upgrade the roster and bring in some promising young talent. Unlike the standard free agency, the Browns would have to give some compensation if they sign an RFA and his old club doesn’t match.
The Browns have two of the more appealing RFAs themselves in defensive back Briean Boddy-Calhoun and wideout Rashard Higgins. GM John Dorsey needs to be prepared for the very real possibility other teams sign them to offers he might need to refuse to match. Tight end Orson Charles also could depart as a restricted free agent.
Here are four restricted free agents who Dorsey and the Browns ought to pursue.
Patrick Onwuasor, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Onwuasor has progressed nicely since joining Baltimore as an undrafted safety from Portland State. He really broke out in 2018, starting 12 games at inside linebacker. He racked up 59 tackles, 5.5 sacks and an interception, looking more comfortable at his newfound position.
He’s capable of playing in coverage but can hit the A-gap blitz nicely too. Onwuasor is also a seasoned special teams contributor.
The added twist of the knife of hurting a division rival in the process is bloody delicious. The Browns can drive up his price pursuing him even if the Ravens decide to match the offer.
Cory Littleton, LB, Los Angeles Rams
Fans around the league got to see how well Littleton played in the Rams’ playoff run, including his Super Bowl INT. He really elevated his play in 2018, notching 125 tackles and flying all over the formation to make plays.
Here’s what brother site Rams Wire had to say about the valuable RFA:
Littleton was thrust into a starting role after the Rams traded Alec Ogletree to the Giants and while he wasn’t without flaws, he did prove to be an upgrade over Ogletree. Where Littleton struggled was against the run, playing a role in the Rams defense allowing 5.1 yards per carry in the regular season – the highest rate in the NFL.
He’s on the slight side when it comes to inside linebackers, but his range allows him to roam sideline to sideline and make plays in the passing game. Littleton was 11th among linebackers this past season in coverage grade from PFF, which shows he was reliable against the pass.
Los Angeles will certainly try to keep him. That’s all the more reason for the up-and-coming Browns should pursue him. Go after players good teams covet.
Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
The Jets’ top target last season has amassed 155 receptions and 15 TDs in his three years, impressive figures considering the QB roulette wheel New York has been spinning.
Anderson is a lanky outside wide receiver with just enough deep speed and acceleration out of breaks to be very dangerous in the same area where the Browns hoped Corey Coleman (also an RFA) would be effective. He’s the kind of talent who can mix well with Jarvis Landry and David Njoku.
Because he’s the best the Jets have, expect New York to try and keep him. That doesn’t mean Dorsey and the Browns should not try.
George Fant, OT, Seattle
Fresh off a successful reclamation project with Greg Robinson, Fant presents the Browns with another opportunity to score with a pass protection specialist.
Fant was one of the worst starters in the NFL regardless of position in 2016 as an undrafted rookie from Western Kentucky. He tore his ACL in 2017 and missed his second year.
Yet in 2018, Fant impressed as the starting left tackle in Seattle. He really took to the upgraded coaching after Tom Cable’s departure as the OL coach and appeared more comfortable with his technique and balance. A former college basketball player, Fant has experience playing right tackle, too.
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