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Over the next week, ClevelandBrowns.com will break down the top players who could be available when the NFL's free agency period opens in three weeks.*
Overview
The Browns' secondary offered a mixed bag of results in 2016. The group finished 21st against the pass in total yards and yards per game, but watched individual players make their mark on a new-look unit poised to grow this offseason.
Perhaps most notably was how Jamar Taylor — the former second-round draft pick and Miami Dolphin — emerged as a starting cornerback in his first year in Cleveland, while rookies such as cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun and safety Derrick Kindred showed promise.
But the Browns, just like the league's 31 other teams, could stand to improve the room by adding talent when free agency opens March 9. Here's a few players to keep an eye on next month.
Who's out there
Eric Berry (Safety, Chiefs, 28 years old) —2016 stats: 16 games, 77 tackles, 9 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 5-time Pro Bowler
A.J. Bouye, (Cornerback, Texans, 25) — 15 games (11 starts), 63 tackles, 16 pass breakups, 1 interception
Barry Church (Safety, Cowboys, 29) —12 games, 85 tackles, 4 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
Stephon Gilmore (Bills, 26 years old) — 15 games, 48 tackles, 12 pass breakups, 5 interceptions, 2016 Pro Bowler
Tony Jefferson (Safety, Cardinals, 25) — 15 games, 78 tackles, five pass breakups
Trumaine Johnson (Cornerback, Rams, 27) — 14 games, 47 tackles, 11 pass breakups, 1 interception
T.J. McDonald (Safety, Rams, 26) —16 games, 64 tackles, 6 pass breakups, 2 interceptions
