BREAKING: Browns Release $19 Million Pass Rusher – 3 Suitors Emerge

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cleveland Browns have released edge defender Ogbo Okoronkwo. A former fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Oklahoma product began his career with the Los Angeles Rams was nothing more than a depth player during his four years with the team. However, he made a name for himself in 2022 when he recorded five sacks, 44 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, and 11 quarterback hits during his lone season with the Houston Texans.

Ogbo Okoronkwo turned this success into a three-year, $19 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. Ultimately, he only played two years on his contract, as the rebuilding Browns decided to embrace their youth movement and part ways with the 30-year-old. Okoronkwo may not be a future Hall of Famer, and he probably shouldn’t be a starter at this stage in his career, but several teams should give him an opportunity as a situational pass rusher.

BREAKING: Browns Release Ogbo Okoronkwo – 3 New Teams Could Sign Him

Next Teams

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had the NFL’s worst defense last year, and General Manager Dan Morgan spent the offseason adding more talent to the lackluster unit. While safety Tre’Von Moehrig and defensive tackle TerShawn Wharton will solidify positions of need, this team could use more help on the edge. Second-round pick Nic Scourton and third-round pick Princely Umanmielen offer plenty of upside for the future, but they might not be ready to compete from Day 1. Following his Browns release, Ogbo Okoronkwo could be the perfect fit as a fine short-term starter who isn’t good enough to keep the two rookies from seeing the field if they’re ready for action.

Atlanta Falcons

Another NFC South team with a weak pass rush, the Atlanta Falcons aggressively addressed their front seven with first-round picks James Pearce and Jalon Walker. Just like with the Panthers, these two are high-risk, high-reward players with a wide range of outcomes and might not be ready for featured roles in Week 1. Signing Ogbo Okoronkwo is the perfect way to ease these untested rookies into the NFL, especially since the Falcons have a realistic shot of winning a weak NFC South with second-round quarterback Michael Penix set to start for the entire season.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have a strong roster, but they’re still underdogs in the race for the AFC West. Despite his age, Khalil Mack is still a fantastic pass rusher and can handle the responsibility of being the team’s best edge defender. However, the rest of the depth chart could use some help. Former second-round pick Tuli Tuipulotu is a promising rotational player, but can he be a full-time starter for a team with Super Bowl aspirations? The answer to that question could be ‘yes’, but Los Angeles should add Ogbo Okoronkwo as a fallback option in case Tuipulotu is better in small doses.