The Cleveland Browns have an open roster spot after the release of DE Lonnie Phelps shortly following the end of mandatory minicamp. Phelps' release, following allegedly driving into a restaurant, spawns questions about who could take his spot going into training camp at the end of July.
The easiest place to look is players that were on the Browns roster last year.
While Joe Flacco, Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki, Jordan Elliott, Harrison Bryant and others have found new homes, seven former Cleveland players remain available in NFL free agency. None have been rumored to have a new home lined up so a return is possible.
Here are the seven names, according to Over the Cap, and a brief thought on the chances of each returning:
- RB Kareem Hunt - A crowd favorite, Hunt was only brought back last year after his good friend Nick Chubb was injured. Chubb is expected to return and the Browns added D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines this offseason. Hunt’s return is unlikely.
- LB Jordan Kunaszyk - A special teams star, the Browns have added a couple of defensive backs to that unit as things change with the kickoff rule this year. If LB Devin Bush takes on an important role on defense and an injury hits at linebacker, Kunasyzk would likely be the first call.
- WR Marquise Goodwin - An exciting possibility existed with pairing Goodwin with the play-action offense but very little actual excitement. It is unlikely Goodwin will return barring a number of injuries.
- WR Jakeem Grant - Similar to Goodwin, the signing of Grant seemed to be a wonderful one only for things to not work out due to injuries. Anything is possible but Hines joins a number of other players who can return kicks.
- OL Drew Forbes - While Forbes gave a great interview to DBN, his career never materialized and Cleveland has a lot of depth on the offensive line.
- OL Dawson Deaton - Never healthy since being drafted, Deaton is also unlikely to return.
- OL Ty Nsekhe - The veteran was brought in last season due to injuries on the offensive line but then joined the injury brigade relatively quickly. GM Andrew Berry brought in a couple of veterans that likely keep Nsekhe from returning.
