“Bidding War” Expected Between The Colts & Browns For Paul Kruger

Update:

Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports that the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts are expected to engage in a “bidding war” for OLB Paul Kruger.

Cleveland has reportedly expressed “strong interest” in Kruger thus far, but are also believed to be considering Cliff Avril as well.

According to one source who spoke with Wilson, Kruger could secure as much as $10 million to $12 million per season.

Both teams have plenty of money to spend an obvious needs. It will be interesting to see who ends up getting Kruger, as the Ravens are highly unlikely re-sign him in the coming days.

We have Kruger listed as the No. 11 best available player in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

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Ed Werder of ESPN expects to see the Colts and Browns aggressively pursue impending free agent OLB Paul Kruger in the coming days.

Werder adds that the Browns are “definitely prepared to try to sign Kruger,” but expects “intense competition” from the Colts.

Kruger, 27, has an obvious link to Indianapolis as he played under current head coach Chuck Pagano. Kruger represents the best 3-4 outside linebacker player available in this year’s free agent, so it’s no wonder there’s already talk of a hot market for his services.

It’s also worth noting that both the Colts and the Browns have plenty of cash to work with, so it will be hard for any team to beat either of them. A return to Baltimore seems almost impossible at this point given the level interest in Kruger and their limited cap space.