The Cleveland Browns had one of the best defenses in the NFL during the 2023 season, and they’ll be looking to keep their defense in top shape to push for another deep playoff run in 2024.

One of the positions of need they will focus on is the pass rush as they’re poised to lose one of their most important defensive ends in free agency. However, they can quickly fill in the gaps by getting a proven winner who just got released by his team.

Cleveland Browns could target Derek Barnett as Za’Darius Smith’s replacement
The Cleveland Browns have a problem with their defensive line as they’re yet to tie Za’Darius Smith down to a contract. The 31-year-old was a solid cog in the Browns’ pass rush, completing 18 solo tackles and 5.5 sacks in 16 regular-season games.

If they don’t get him tied to another contract, the Browns front office can gun for Derek Barnett, who was on the Philadelphia Eagles when they won their first Super Bowl in franchise history.

The former 14th pick of the 2017 Draft didn’t manage to live up to the expectations that warranted his high selection, but he is a reliable veteran who could see his career resurrected should he be positioned opposite of Myles Garett.

Heavy’s Max Dibble wrote more about the benefits Barnett would get by playing next to an elite pass rusher:

Barnett would also be the beneficiary of playing alongside reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year and star Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett drew more double-teams than almost any defender in the league last season and still finished the year with 14.0 sacks, giving him a total of 48 over the past three years (49 games played).

Derek Barnett had a decent season when the Houston Texans picked him up on waivers to bolster their 2023 squad. He had 11 solo tackles and 2.5 sacks in six regular-season games in Houston, which should see a rise if he ends up with the Cleveland Browns.