Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that leagues have informed her that the Browns are prepared to pursue Ravens OLB Paul Kruger and Lions DE Cliff Avril in free agency.
Cabot sources added that Raiders DT Desmond Bryant and Cardinals LB Quentin Groves are also on their radar.
Kruger, 27, is expected to be seeking as much as $9 million annually in free agency, which has essentially eliminated the possibility of a return to Baltimore. He represents the best available 3-4 outside linebacker on the market and will almost certain cash in this offseason.
Avril, 26, should find plenty of interest as well. The Browns would have to ask him to move to outside linebacker in their 3-4 defensive scheme, but Avril does have previous experience with the position dating back to his time at Purdue.
Bryant, 27, is very intriguing player who could end having numerous suitors this offseason. He was recently arrested on a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief. Pro Football Focus actually rated him as the No. 6 defensive tackle last season.
Adam Caplan expects to see the Browns also target one of Matt Moore, Brian Hoyer, or Chase Daniel.
NFL teams can negotiate with free agents as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, but will not be able to sign them until next Tuesday.
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