Potential free agent Safeties that could be on the Browns radar
- Niko Petrovic
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
With the release of Juan Thornhill this off-season, the Browns have a gap to fill at the safety position. The team is definitely interested in adding a veteran safety who can fly around the field and help make an immediate impact on Jim Schwartz's defense, for the right price.
Marcus Williams | Safety | Balitmore Ravens
A hot name during the 2022 free agency period, Williams signed a 5-year, $70 million contract with the Ravens to become a key piece of their league-leading defense. Williams' career with the Ravens was rocky; he suffered an injury in two out of the three seasons with the Ravens, and his play regressed greatly, leading him to be a healthy scratch for the final 5 games of the season. You might ask, why would anything change in Cleveland? Well, here is why I like this fit: Williams is a guy who can move all around the field; he can play in the box, and he can cover. I think Jim Schwartz and Ephraim Banda (Browns safeties coach) can really put him in a position to succeed and restart his career.
Von Bell | Safety | Cincinnati Bengals
Another well-known AFC North opponent, Vonn Bell has been in the NFL for nearly a decade and is among the top free agent safeties available. In 2024, Bell's role in the Bengals' defense diminished, and he was replaced as a starter by standout rookie Jordan Battle. In my view, one of Bell's standout qualities is his reliability; over his 9 seasons, he has participated in every game at least 7 times, which could be a significant consideration for signing him. The Bengals' defenses in which Bell played were some of the better defenses in the league at the time, so getting a veteran safety who can provide good leadership would be huge for the Browns going forward.
Julian Blackmon | Safety | Indianapolis Colts
Julian Blackmon flies around the field. He had his best statistical season in 2024, ending the year with 86 combined tackles (62 solo), 4 PBUs, and 3 interceptions. Blackmon spent time with current Browns assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone in Indianapolis and could be a guy on the Browns' radar for the right price. Like Williams, he can cover the entire field and has skills both in coverage and coming up in run support. Overall, this would be my choice for the Browns if the price is right for the team. A really solid safety who still has plenty of good years left ahead of him!
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