The Cleveland Browns, who boasted the #4 defense last year, face the prospect of losing several free agents. If Ronnie Hickman leaves, the Browns might consider Jalen Thompson in NFL free agency. The free agency period begins on March 9.
Potential Impact of Free Agent Losses
The Browns have a number of unrestricted free agents, including Jerome Baker, Rayshawn Jenkins, Cameron Thomas, D’Angelo Ross, Shelby Harris, Tre Avery, Julian Okwara, Devin Bush, and M.J. Emerson. Restricted free agents include Sam Kamara, Ronnie Hickman, Sam Webb, and Mohamoud Diabate. Winston Reid and Anthony Kendall are exclusive free agents.
Losing Jenkins and Hickman would significantly impact the safety room, as both were vital for run support last season. Browns GM Andrew Berry has the option to retain both players. However, another team could sign one or both.
Current Safety Options for Cleveland
Currently, the Browns’ safety group includes Grant Delpit, Chris Edmonds, and Donovan McMillon. Delpit is noted as one of the roster’s best tacklers. Edmonds and McMillon are considered promising players who excel on special teams, awaiting increased opportunities.
McMillon played in all 17 games this past season, recording 15 total tackles and a sack. He had 310 special teams snaps, and his involvement in the regular defense increased towards the end of the season. Edmonds participated in nine games with 154 special teams snaps and made seven tackles.
Jalen Thompson as a Potential Solution
The Browns’ safety room needs reinforcement. Jalen Thompson of the Cardinals could become a Day 1 starter for the Browns if acquired.
- NFL draft: 2019 Round 5, Supplemental draft (Cardinals)
- 2025 season: 15 starts, 95 tackles, 0 QB hits, 1 sack, 0 interceptions, 5 batted passes, 1 pressure, 2 hurries, 0 knockdowns, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 0 fumble recoveries, 5 missed tackles, 38 receptions allowed, 980 defensive snaps (98%), 48 special teams snaps (2%)
Berry’s Focus on the Defensive Backfield
Berry, a former college cornerback, has consistently prioritised acquiring talent and developing players for the defensive back room. He views this group as a key project. Pass coverage has been a major focus for Cleveland’s defense, which ranked #3 in passing defense this past NFL season. The Browns ranked #16 in rushing defense.
Thompson is recognised as a good tackler and a productive player. Throughout his seven seasons, he has accumulated 578 career tackles. In his last five seasons, his total tackles were 121, 110, 78, 98, and 95. That is an active safety helping the run game.
Arizona reportedly wants Thompson to remain on their roster, where he features alongside Budda Baker, who was voted to his eighth Pro Bowl this past season.