The Cleveland Browns have built a reputation for fielding one of the league’s most consistently tough secondaries-and that’s no accident. General Manager Andrew Berry, a former college cornerback himself, has made the defensive backfield a personal priority since taking over in 2020.
Outside of last year, Berry has used every draft to bring in at least one corner or safety. It’s clear: the DB room is his domain.
And the results speak for themselves. The Browns finished last season with the fourth-ranked overall defense and the third-ranked pass defense. That’s elite territory, and Berry is doing everything in his power to keep them there.
At the center of it all is Denzel Ward, a five-time Pro Bowler who’s been selected to the last three All-Star squads. He’s the anchor of Cleveland’s man-heavy scheme, and his ability to lock down top receivers allows defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to get creative with his safeties and front seven.
Last offseason, Berry made a bold move by trading former first-round pick Greg Newsome to Jacksonville in exchange for Tyson Campbell. Newsome landed on a playoff-bound team and got a postseason check out of it, but Campbell has proven to be a solid addition and fits the Browns’ defensive identity well.
Then there’s M.J. Emerson, a 2022 third-round gem who looked ready to take the leap into stardom after a strong offseason.
But an Achilles tear in training camp cut his contract year short before it even began. His absence was a blow-not just to the Browns’ depth chart, but to a secondary that thrives on having three dependable corners in man coverage.
Now, with free agency looming, Cleveland has decisions to make. The list of defensive backs set to hit the market includes S Rayshawn Jenkins, CB Tre Avery, CB Sam Webb, S Ronnie Hickman, CB D’Angelo Ross, CB Anthony Kendall, and Emerson himself. Webb and Hickman are restricted free agents, while Kendall is an exclusive-rights free agent.
You’d think Berry might have already locked up Emerson or Hickman with extensions, but so far, nothing’s moved on that front. As it stands, the Browns have a solid core under contract: S Grant Delpit, CB Myles Harden, CB Dom Jones, S Donovan McMillon, S Chris Edmonds, plus Ward and Campbell.
But Schwartz’s defense thrives on having three high-level corners who can go man-to-man across the board. Ward and Campbell check two of those boxes.
If Emerson returns healthy, that trio could be among the best in football. But if he doesn’t make it back-or isn’t re-signed-Berry will need to find a veteran who can step in and hold his own.
Enter Jamel Dean.
The 6-foot-1, 206-pound corner from Tampa Bay is one of the top free agents hitting the market this offseason. At 29 years old, Dean brings the kind of experience and production that could immediately elevate Cleveland’s secondary.
He started 14 games last season, tallying 46 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and nine passes defensed. His PFF grade?
A stellar 84.9.
Dean’s coverage numbers jump off the page. He allowed just a 46.9 passer rating when targeted-the best mark in the league-and gave up only one pass of 20+ yards all year.
He didn’t allow a single touchdown and gave up just 4.6 yards per target. That’s lockdown corner stuff.
He’s also no slouch in run support, missing just one tackle all season. His elite 4.3 speed allows him to recover when beat and press effectively at the line of scrimmage. In short, Dean fits the Browns’ mold: physical, disciplined, and fast.
There are some injury concerns to consider. Dean has dealt with a hip flexor strain, a shoulder issue, and a hamstring injury over the past couple of seasons.
Still, he’s logged 96 NFL games and over 4,700 snaps. That’s a lot of experience-and a lot of tape showing he can still play at a high level.
Dean is projected to be the highest-paid cornerback on the market this year, and for good reason. He was the No. 5 overall free agent on most boards and the top-rated corner. If Berry wants to keep his secondary in elite company, he may have to open the checkbook.
The Browns don’t need to overhaul their secondary-but they do need to reinforce it. And if Emerson’s future is uncertain, Dean could be the piece that keeps this defense among the league’s elite.
With free agency opening March 9-11, Cleveland has a decision to make. Do they roll the dice on Emerson’s return-or go all-in on a proven shutdown corner like Jamel Dean?
Either way, expect Berry to keep his defensive backfield sharp. It’s what he does.