In the NFL, there's a mantra: you can never have too many great cornerbacks. The Cleveland Browns are living by that credo with a roster that includes Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, and Myles Harden.
But questions remain: Is their secondary solid enough? Will M.J.
Emerson make a comeback, and if so, what will his game look like post-Achilles injury? These are the pressing issues for GM Andrew Berry as he contemplates re-signing Emerson or letting him test free agency.
The Browns have a few cornerbacks heading into free agency, including Emerson, Anthony Kendall, D’Angelo Ross, Sam Webb, and Tre Avery. Webb's situation is particularly interesting as a restricted free agent. With the NFL draft looming in April, Berry has options to bolster the roster with fresh talent or perhaps bring in a seasoned veteran to add depth.
Berry, a former college cornerback himself, has made the defensive backfield a personal project. His willingness to trade Greg Newsome for the physical and reliable Campbell underscores his commitment to improving the unit. Now, the possibility of adding Trevon Diggs, a seasoned cornerback with a history of exceptional seasons, could be on the table.
Diggs, who shined with 11 interceptions in 2021 and earned two Pro Bowl nods, struggled with injuries last season, playing only two games after knee surgery. Once earning $19 million annually, his recent lack of playing time has affected his performance.
Yet, at 27, Diggs remains a tantalizing prospect for a team that doesn't need him to be an every-down player. If medical evaluations are favorable, Diggs could be a low-risk, high-reward signing for the Browns.
Last season, the Browns boasted the league's #4 ranked defense, excelling in passing defense at #3, though their rushing defense lagged at #16. Adding a player like Diggs could enhance their already formidable pass defense.
Diggs' journey began with the Dallas Cowboys, where he quickly established himself as a top-tier cornerback. His early years were marked by consistent starts and impressive interception numbers.
However, a significant knee injury in 2023 sidelined him after signing a lucrative five-year, $97 million contract. Following further setbacks, including a groin injury and concussion issues, the Cowboys released him.
The Green Bay Packers picked him up, but he's now a free agent again, bringing special teams value along with his defensive prowess.
For the Browns, Diggs could be the missing piece in their secondary puzzle. If he can recapture his prior form, Cleveland might just land a game-changing player at a bargain.