When Will the Browns Add a Defensive Tackle?

There are definitely more questions then answers at defensive tackle for the Browns after their first preseason game.

The Cleveland Browns return to a full practice today in preparation for what the Browns are considering their first preseason game against the Washington Commanders. One lingering issue still remains unanswered; while players like Siaki Ika and Tommy Togaia flashed in moments last Thursday, Jordan Elliott seemed to struggle. With Trysten Hill not playing and Maurice Hurst playing well into the second half, there is definitely more questions surrounding the depth at defensive tackle than ever.

 Who will be added at DT?

For Andrew Berry, the timing of Perrion Winfrey's release was certainly not ideal. Just days before the team left for a planned retreat to the Greenbrier, in West Virginia. For a team looking to build chemistry, bringing in a new replacement right away who could potentially threaten another player's roster spot may have been counterproductive.

As expected, the team started to explore bolstering the defensive tackle room last week by bringing in Shelby Harris for a visit. Harris, worked out for the Browns and left without coming to an agreement. According to Josina Anderson she hears that while the visit went well, Harris is looking to keep his options open and may have interest from multiple teams. 

They were not under impression he was in a rush to sign after his workout & visit, and that he may have options… https://t.co/PX3GKu0ttA

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 4, 2023

If not Harris, then who will it be? A popular name amongst Browns fans has been Matt Ioannidis but things have seemed relatively quiet with him across the league. There are many teams that appear like they could certainly use his experience to bolster their defensive line. Perhaps he is waiting for a team to offer a certain dollar amount and he is willing to wait until an injury forces a team to give him what he wants. There are several other veteran defensive tackles who would be a similar situation but the drop off is a little steeper after Ioannidis.

Another name that seems to be drawing interest across the league and who has been very active taking visits is Marvin Wilson. The former Florida State standout played the last two years with the Eagles. He would certainly be an interesting option for the Browns as Andrew Berry made him the highest paid UDFA after the 2021 draft, to make sure that he signed with the team. There were concerns with maturity and work ethic for him during that draft cycle and he was eventually waived by the Browns, who were hoping to get him to their practice squad. It would come down to making sure that Wilson developed and matured during his time in Philadelphia.

Ultimately, the Browns may have to show some patience here to sign a player who could have a significant impact on the defensive line either by giving Harris time to come to a decision or waiting for cuts to happen across the league as teams trim their rosters to fifty-three players.