Jalen Thompson emerges as Browns free-agency option as March 9 window opens
The Cleveland Browns are being linked to safety help in free agency, with jalen thompson singled out as a potential Day 1 starter candidate. The timing is driven by the opening of the free agency period on March 9, when Browns general manager Andrew Berry can move to retain or replace a safety group facing possible departures.
Andrew Berry’s March 9 free-agency window forces safety-room decisions
March 9 is the pivot point for Cleveland’s defensive back plans because Berry will have the opportunity to retain key players once the free agency period begins. The Browns listed multiple free agents across categories, including unrestricted free agents such as safety Rayshawn Jenkins and restricted free agents such as safety Ronnie Hickman, a combination that puts immediate focus on how Cleveland will keep its safety depth intact.
Ronnie Hickman and Rayshawn Jenkins departures would thin Cleveland’s options
Losing Jenkins, and especially Hickman, was framed as a major blow to the safety room after both were relied on for run support this past season. Cleveland’s current safety group was described as Grant Delpit (6’-3”, 208 pounds), Chris Edmonds (6’-2”, 210 pounds), and Donovan McMillon (6’-2”, 203 pounds), with Delpit cited as one of the roster’s best tacklers and Edmonds and McMillon portrayed as up-and-comers with special teams value.
McMillon played in all 17 games this past season with 15 total tackles and a sack, logging 310 special teams snaps before being inserted into the regular defense more late in the season. Edmonds appeared in nine games with 154 special teams snaps and recorded seven tackles, a workload that underscores why the room was described as needing help if Hickman leaves.
Jalen Thompson profile: potential Day 1 starter with heavy snap history
jalen thompson was presented as a possible plug-in option from the Cardinals who could start immediately in Cleveland’s defense, which ranked No. 4 overall last season, including the No. 3 passing defense and No. 16 rushing defense. His 2025 season line was listed as 15 starts, 95 tackles, one sack, five batted passes, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble, along with 980 defensive snaps (98%) and 48 special teams snaps (2%).
The same profile emphasized durability and experience, stating he has missed six games and has played 99 games with 87 NFL starts. It also highlighted his run-support skill set, noting tackle totals over his last five seasons of 121, 110, 78, 98, and 95, and 578 career tackles in seven seasons, while describing his ability to play a linebacker-like role in a 4-2-5 setup and cover larger tight ends.
The next milestone for Cleveland’s safety plan arrives March 9, when the free agency period begins and Berry can decide whether to retain players such as Rayshawn Jenkins and Ronnie Hickman or pursue outside options. If Ronnie Hickman departs, Cleveland’s need for a starter-level addition like jalen thompson is expected to become more immediate.
