Report: Judon among defenders on Browns' radar in free agency

Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Matt Judon is one of three notable defenders on the Cleveland Browns' radar with free agency set to begin, sources told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

The Browns reportedly also have their sights on New York Jets cornerback Brian Poole and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman.

Cleveland is expected to prioritize defensive upgrades in the offseason as its offense progressed significantly in 2020 under first-year head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Judon, who spent the last five seasons with the AFC North rival Ravens, would fill a need opposite Myles Garrett. The Browns seek a pass-rusher to replace Olivier Vernon, who underwent Achilles surgery in January and will be a free agent when the market opens.

The 28-year-old Judon is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, though his sack total dipped from 9.5 in 2019 to six in 2020. Regardless, he's expected to be highly coveted in a market of pass-rushers that also includes Haason Reddick, Bud Dupree, Yannick Ngakoue, and Carl Lawson.

Poole is likely to pursue a multi-year deal after outplaying consecutive one-year pacts with the Jets. The 28-year-old does most of his work in the slot, where he's earned strong coverage grades the last two seasons.

Perryman is expected to leave the Chargers after seeing his role reduced in 2020. The six-year veteran had 48 tackles, a sack, and a pass breakup in 13 appearances last year.

Free agency doesn't officially begin until March 17, but teams can start contacting players from other clubs Monday.

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