Browns Free Agency: S Kamren Curl an option if defense pivots a bit
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 20: Kamren Curl #3 of the Los Angeles Rams defends in coverage during the first half against the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe 2026 free agent list for the Cleveland Browns is a sad sight. There are plenty of guys that GM Andrew Berry could have signed to extensions during this past season, but did not. And now, these talented players are headed to the free agency period, which begins March 9.
One name really stands out: Safety Ronnie Hickman.
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In the Browns' defensive back room, the following are listed on the free agent list: S Rayshawn Jenkins, CB M.J. Emerson, CB Tre Avery, CB Sam Webb, CB D'Angelo Ross, CB Anthony Kendall, and Hickman. Webb is a restricted free agent, whereas Kendall is an exclusive rights free agent.
Hickman is also a restricted free agent. This means a player who has three accrued seasons with an expired contract. He can negotiate with other NFL clubs, subject to tender offers" from his original team. Cleveland would have the right of first refusal to match any offer sheet.
If Hickman leaves, or if Berry does not re-sign him before free agency begins, there is trouble in paradise with the safety room. Grant Delpit is the other starter, along with the youngster Donovan McMillon and journeyman Chris Edmonds.
Kamren Curl could come in and become the Day 1 starter for the Browns.
There are plenty of very good safeties in all rounds of the April NFL draft, including Ohio State's Caleb Downs, who is ranked the #5 prospect in this year's NFL draft. The Browns are picking at #6, so that is a huge possibility for Cleveland.
However, Berry might have his sights on another player and hopes that the draft falls his way. Waiting to see where Downs goes is not prudent. Berry should consider bringing in another safety from free agency first.
Berry is a former college cornerback, so he has always provided the defensive back room with plenty of talent and developmental players. This group is Berry's pet project.
This past NFL season, the Browns ranked #4 in the league in defense. Break that down into the #3 passing defense and the #16 rushing defense, so the importance of pass coverage with Cleveland's defense has been a huge focus.
S Kamren CurlLos Angeles RamsPFF ranking: 73.1
NFL draft: 2020 Round 7, pick #216 (Commanders)
2025 season: 17 starts, 122 tackles, 2 QB hits, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 5 batted passes, 4 pressures, 2 hurries, 0 knockdowns, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 0 fumble recoveries, 0 batted passes, 7 missed tackles, 47 receptions allowed, 1,112 defensive snaps (99%), 46 special teams snaps (10%)
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Curl is a tackler. Period.
586 career tackles in just six seasons. Had a career high this past season with 122 and had 115 in 2023. Very durable and has missed very few games. 93 games played with 86 NFL starts, so he has the experience. His vertical jump is 34.5."
He is a versatile defensive back with underrated coverage abilities and has zero issues coming up and supporting the run-stopping game. He is known across the league as one of the league's best run-stopping safeties.
But Curl's talents don't just stop with large tackling numbers. He can play free safety, box, lined up at strong safety in college, and play linebacker in the 4-2-5. He is a good blitzer and lends a hand at cornerback if needed.
He is a reliable tackler with just seven missed tackles this past year. Curl excels at closing on the ball and understands passing lanes. Very good instincts and productive.
Curl does lack elite speed, which is a reason why he doesn't line up at cornerback. And at times his angle pursuit is off, which results in additional yardage gained. His backpedal is smooth and even.
Runs the alley with adequate effort to free himself from blockers. Reads combinations and comes out clean as deep safety.
He is good on kickoff teams as well, so he comes with special teams value. He was paid $9 million on a two-year deal with the Rams.
Projection: Three-years, $39 million