Browns Could Steal Key Free Agent From Division RIval This Offseason

The Cleveland Browns are busy preparing for free agency with March right around the corner. It was revealed on Tuesday that Cleveland will be parting ways with safety John Johnson III by the time the new league year begins, creating a hole in the secondary.

However, the Browns already have one potential replacement in mind.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates is "on the [Browns'] radar" to replace Johnson "if he hits the market." Bates is considered a flight risk for Cincinnati this offseason after the two sides have failed to reach an extension.

"The Browns are expected to pursue Bates if he’s not extended, franchised or traded to someone besides the Browns."

- Mary Kay Cabot

It seems the Browns parting ways with Johnson isn't just financially motivated. The team could explore cheaper options on the market to fill his position, but the fact they're interested in Bates -- who will command more -- indicates they're simply looking to get better at safety.

Cleveland knows full well what Bates is capable of after playing the last five seasons against him. He's recorded 14 interceptions and 43 passes defended to start his career with the Bengals.

Perhaps a chance to prove Cincy wrong would help sway him to the Browns this offseason.

Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel. 

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