The Browns were thought to be in the market for an addition to their pass rush this offseason, and it has reportedly arrived. Cleveland is set to sign Obo Okoronkwo to a three-year deal with a base value of $19MM (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).
Rapoport adds that the contract includes $12.5MM guaranteed, and can reach up to $22MM in value. That represents a notable payday for the 27-year-old, whose rookie contract is set to expire on Wednesday when the new league year begins.
Okoronkwo progressively took on a larger role in each of his three seasons with the Rams, before spending 2022 in Houston. He topped 500 snaps for the first time in his career with the rebuilding unit, and he responded with a notable increase in production. The Browns are banking on his career ascent continuing in his third NFL home.
The Oklahoma alum set new career highs in sacks (five), tackles (44) and pressures (17), among other stats. He ranked 13th in ESPN’s pass rush win rate (19%), a feat made more notable by the fact that he consistency faced double-teams as Houston’s top pass rusher. PFF has likewise noted him as one of the top available edge defenders; his 81.8 pass rush grade last season ranked 14th at the position.
Myles Garrett remains in place as the anchor of Cleveland’s edge group, but it has long been assumed that fellow veteran Jadeveon Clowney would be headed elsewhere this offseason. This news points to the latter being replaced as a starter, as the Browns add more upside as a pass rusher in particular to their new-look defense.
A deal with highly-touted defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones is considered a strong possibility, something which would further add considerably to the Browns’ defensive line if it were to happen. Even if they are forced to turn elsewhere along the defensive interior, however, the addition of Okoronkwo will represent a notable upgrade for Cleveland on the edge.
Ouch Bengals were in on him.
Browns are also rumored to be in on:
OBI-WAN-KENOBI