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Could the Cleveland Browns be in the market for perhaps the most intriguing cornerback prospect on the market? According to Alex Marvez of FOXSports, free agent cornerback Brent Grimes met with the Browns on Saturday.
UFA #Falcons CB Brent Grimes visits Cleveland,@foxsports.com has learned (sorry if someone else reported this)
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 16, 2013
This doesn't mean that Grimes will sign with Cleveland. The Miami Dolphins actually hosted Grimes on Friday, but he left without agreeing to a deal.
The story with Grimes is this: he was outstanding with the Atlanta Falcons in 2011, but suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in 2012, playing in just one game for the year. He is starting to get up their in age at 30 years old, and there is no telling whether he will be the same player following his injury. The risk certainly seems like it would be worth the reward, though. Evan Silva from Rotoworld called out the intriguing tandem of Grimes and Joe Haden as soon as he saw Marvez' report:
Brent Grimes (if healthy) & Joe Haden would be an awfully difficult CB tandem to throw against. Love what #Browns are doing on defense.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) March 16, 2013
Back in February, Pro Football Focus rated Grimes as their No. 1 free agent cornerback, well ahead of guys like Keenan Lewis and Aqib Talib. Their basis, though, was related to his 2011 performance, and did not account for his injury concerns.
What do you think? Would Grimes be an amazing signing for Cleveland, or would you rather they sign a "safer" option to start?
UPDATE (9:15 PM): According to a tweet by his wife, Grimes is headed back home. Since no deal has been reported, it can be assumed that he is still mulling things over:
Headed home. Great visit! So proud of @bgrimes20 right now. Handling himself like a true vet! instagr.am/p/W7im-iSD8K/
—Miko Grimes(@iHeartMiko) March 16, 2013
For those wishful thinkers, maybe "great visit!" is a bright spot?