Maurice Hurst – Syndication Server

Browns set to bring back DT Maurice Hurst on a one-year deal

The impressive pass rushing defensive tackle is reportedly staying in Cleveland

Last year, Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry took a chance on defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, a player who had battled injuries. And the NFL rumors would seem to indicate he will make his way back to Cleveland.

Though he was only a rotational player last year, the chance paid off as Hurst made several big plays over the season. Hurst was able to stay fresh, come off the bench, and pressure the quarterback plenty with an impressive 14.1 percent pass rush win rate. Being able to turn to players like Hurst off the bench helped Jim Schwartz keep his players fresh late into games to seal victories.

Though his season ended early with injury, the Browns’ decision to sign him back to a one-year deal worth $3.2 million was a no-brainer. When you have a defensive line that was so disruptive and dominant at times, you should make sure you keep the key players responsible for that.

Stay tuned into BrownsWire as we cover the NFL free agency period with the new league year just around the corner.

1 pending free agent Chargers should target: AFC North Edition

Listing one free agent from the Steelers, Ravens, Browns and Bengals who could be a fit for the Chargers.

The Chargers won’t be aggressive when it comes to signing free agents, as they’re currently $35 million over the projected salary cap.

While they’re cash-strapped, general manager Joe Hortiz will make some moves to have some spendings available to them so they can sign some.

That said, I will list one pending free agent from each team in the NFL that could be a realistic target for L.A.

Next up is the AFC North.

Cowboys Free Agency Targets: 8 defenders who played for Zimmer, staff

When coaches find new digs, they often bring in former players to help lead in the new system. Here are some fun ideas for the Cowboys to consider as the league year approaches. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Dallas Cowboys have a brand new defensive staff, and with that they will have the opportunity to try and shore up the one issue the unit had in 2023; variance. The Dallas Cowboys had a ton of great performances under Dan Quinn over the last three seasons. Twice the led the NFL in turnovers and two different defensive backs had all-time great NFL seasons under Quinn. Trevon Diggs had the most interceptions in a single season in over 40 years in 2011 and DaRon Bland set the all-time Pick-6 record in 2023. But there were enough performances where the defense didn’t show up, most notably the wild-card loss to the upstart Green Bay Packers, that showed the unit was not all it was cracked up to be.

Now, Mike Zimmer is in charge and while the front office may not rain down on him with draft picks to improve his unit in Year 1, there’s probably a sizable free agent haul awaiting him and his new staff. Often times, coaches like to bring in players who are familiar with their systems and who they know they can trust as bridges to the other veterans they are inheriting.

Zimmer worked for Cincinnati as their DC from 2008 through 2013 and was the head coach of Minnesota from 2014 through 2021. Between his former players and those who suited up for new DL coach Jeff Zgonina (Washington 2020-2023, San Francisco 2017-2018) or run-defense coordinator Paul Guenther (Cincinnati DC 2014-2017, Oakland LB coach 2018-2020) there are a handful of current free agents who might be interested in reunions.

Here are the six names, and where they rank on PFF’s list of top 200 free agents heading into 2024. In addition, there are two players who are currently under contract but could be released before the new league year kicks in who would be under consideration.

Ranking 2024’s top 12 free-agent interior defensive linemen

Free agency’s top interior defensive linemen

The Carolina Panthers have themselves one of the very best defensive tackles in the game. In fact, they have the one who just set an single-season tackle record for the position.

But if they’re looking to add to their front, let’s keep you in the know about the very best free-agent interior defensive linemen.

6 pending free agents the Browns should prioritize to re-sign

Which pending free agents should be at the top of their list to re-sign?

The NFL season has come to an end, and now the Cleveland Browns turn their attention toward free agency, where they have 26 players hitting the market including quarterback Joe Flacco and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst.

For the Browns, this means clearing cap space to get out of the red and give themselves some spending flexibility. This will be an easy task for Cleveland as restructuring the contract of Deshaun Watson will clear right around $44 million this season in itself. Just like they were a year ago, look for the Browns to be aggressors this offseason to continue to capitalize on the competitive window they have opened for themselves.

Part of that process is bringing back some of their own. While they will not be able to re-sign all 26 free agents, there are a handful that should be prioritized. We dive into which six should be at the top of the list for general manager Andrew Berry and his team to bring back in 2024.

All contract valuation numbers come from Over the Cap.

Estimated value of all 26 Browns pending free agents

The Browns have 26 pending free agents, including Za’Darius Smith and Maurice Hurst. Here are their estimated values.

The Cleveland Browns will see players like defensive end Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst hit free agency. Can they bring them back as they look to continue to compete?

While the Browns do not have a ton of cap space right now, sitting in the red as the numbers currently stand. However, just as they did a year ago, the Browns will restructure plenty of contracts to give them a good amount of money to spend when the new league year rolls around.

General manager Andrew Berry is one of the more aggressive ones in the league, and this year will be no different. Can the Browns bring back a good portion of their free agents set to hit the market?

Using numbers and estimates from Over the Cap, here is the estimated value of every pending free agent the Browns will see hit the market this offseason.

Browns: Add DT Maurice Hurst to the list of players on season-ending Injured Reserve

The Browns add another tally to their injury toll, losing Maurice Hurst for the season to a pectoral injury.

Make it stop. The Cleveland Browns have announced three different players will now miss the rest of the season over the last two days. First, it was offensive tackles Dawand Jones and Jedrick Wills who were declared out for the year, and now defensive tackle Maurice Hurst has joined the list. Hurst left Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a pectoral injury.

After missing two straight seasons, Hurst returned to form in no time this year with the Browns. Among all defensive tackles who played at least 20 percent of the league snaps this season, Hurst fell in the top 15 in pass rush win rate. He finished the season with 1.5 sacks, 18 pressures, 14 stop tackles, and two batted balls at the line of scrimmage.

Hurst has suffered devastating injuries twice before in his career and has bounced back. As he is set to hit the open market this offseason, it would be lovely to see the veteran defensive tackle and savvy pass rusher make his way back to Cleveland.

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Another Browns player exits with injury vs. Jaguars; Maurice Hurst leaves with pectoral injury

Another Browns player has left the game…

The injuries have piled up for the Cleveland Browns today against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This time, it is defensive tackle Maurice Hurst who has exited the game with a pectoral injury. Providing a monster output in this game, the presence of Hurst will be missed the rest of the way out.

Hurst is the second defensive tackle to exit, as Jordan Elliott left earlier in the game with a concussion. Center Ethan Pocic, safety Grant Delpit, and cornerback Cameron Mitchell have all also exited this game with injuries. On top of this, cornerback Denzel Ward, safety Juan Thornhill, and right tackle Dawand Jones were all unable to play in this Week 14 matchup.

Hurst, a player who has suffered multiple devastating injuries in his career, looks to avoid another one here. There are always reasons for concern when the pectoral is involved, so we wish the best of luck to Hurst.

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