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.
The Browns made headlines last month when they re-signed the multitalented Jamie Collins to a four-year extension.
Collins, the Pro Bowler and former Patriots star who landed in Cleveland via a midseason trade, could be something of a centerpiece on a young defense still coming into form. He joins a front seven that includes Christian Kirksey (who led the team in tackles), Danny Shelton, Emmanuel Ogbah (who led the team in sacks), and a handful of second-year players working to break out in 2017.
The Browns, of course, have said they'll take "aggressive shots" at adding talent to the roster, including free agency.
Here's who could help Cleveland bolster its front seven. This list is fluid, as a number of teams could use their respective franchise tags or agree to new contracts with the players before free agency opens March 9.
Zach Brown (ILB, Bills, 27) — 16 games, 149 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 PBU, 1 INT, 2 FFs
Calais Campbell (DL, Cardinals, 30) — 16 games, 53 tackles, 8 sacks, 6 PBU, 1 INT, 2 FF
Johnathan Hankins (DL, Giants, 24) —16 games, 43 tackles, 3 sacks
Dont'a Hightower (LB, Patriots, 26 years old) — 13 games, 65 tackles, 2.5 sacks
Gerald Hodges (LB, 49ers, 26) — 15 games, 83 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 INT, 2 PBU, 1 FF
Melvin Ingram (DE/OLB, Chargers, 27) — 16 games, 60 tackles, 8 sacks, 5 PBU, 4 FF
Chandler Jones (DL/OLB, Cardinals, 26) — 16 games, 49 tackles, 11 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 4 forced fumbles
Jason Pierre-Paul (DL, Giants, 28) —12 games, 53 tackles, 7 sacks, 8 PBU, three FF
Nick Perry (DE/OLB, Packers, 26) —14 games, 52 tackles, 11 sacks, 1 interception
Kawann Short (DL, Panthers, 28) — 16 games, 55 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble
