OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI – NOVEMBER 16: Grant Delpit #7 of the LSU Tigers in action during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
The Browns defensive backfield might’ve taken a pretty major hit
Grant Delpit had some flaws coming out of LSU, most notably his tackling ability in the open field, but his ability as a cover man in an elite conference against some of the best wide receivers in the country made him an attractive fit in a place like Cleveland, who already has one of the best young cover men in the league in Denzel Ward out of Ohio State. Yet, before Delpit could even step on the field for the Browns in a regular season game, he now faces a rather long recovery.
Per Adam Schefter, the Browns think Delpit might’ve torn his achilles. While they don’t have the official results just yet, Cleveland ought to start looking around for other options in their secondary, especially considering they’re now dealing with injuries not just to Delpit, but also MJ Stewart, Kevin Johnson and Greedy Williams.
If Delpit is out for the season, where should the Browns look for reinforcements?
It might not be a popular decision among a certain subset of fans, but the Baltimore Ravens did just release Earl Thomas. The Browns have plenty of cap space but that shouldn’t even enter the equation, as Thomas could be had for a bargain if John Dorsey has a single negotiating bone in his body.
Cleveland’s young secondary needs a veteran voice, and assuming Thomas has finally learned his lesson after falling out of favor in both Seattle and Baltimore — two of the more respected organizations in all of football — they’d be unwise not to bring him in on a non-guaranteed deal. Thomas is not of the Antonio Brown ilk, as much as some pundits may try to paint him as such.
The Browns need some answers if Delpit is out long-term, that’s for certain.