Derrick Shelby sought a Falcons release last week in order to get a head start on free agency, and the veteran defensive end is now gauging the market.
Shelby met with the Seahawks on Thursday and plans to head to Cleveland for a Browns summit before free agency begins, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
The Falcons released Shelby late last week after he’d started 14 games last season. However, the 29-year-old edge defender has only registered one sack over the past two seasons (22 games). Pro Football Focus graded Shelby as one of the better run defenders among 4-3 ends, however, and the Seahawks and Browns could be eyeing him as a rotational pass-rushing option.
The Seahawks traded Michael Bennett on Wednesday to deplete their defensive end corps, and the Browns don’t have a surefire starter opposite Myles Garrett. Although, Carl Nassib graded as a better run-stopper than Shelby did in 2017.
Money will be no object for Cleveland, but the seventh-year player — PFR’s No. 12 edge defender free agent — is not expected to command an especially lucrative contract.
Colts should look into him
Another FA stopping in Cleveland for a free lunch only to blow them off
Somebody needs to sign there