Cleveland Browns Free Agent Review: S Andrew Sendejo

Next up on our 2021 review of the Browns’ unrestricted free agents is S Andrew Sendejo.

Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

How and When He Joined the Browns: After spending nine years with the Minnesota Vikings, the Browns signed Sendejo to a 1-year, $2.25 million deal in March.

Productivity Level Last Season: The expectation was that Sendejo was going to be a rotational safety for Cleveland. From 2017-2019 with the Vikings, he had a coverage grade of 89.7 from PFF. Sounds great, right? Then, Grant Delpit tore his Achilles’ tendon in camp with the Browns, forcing Sendejo into a starting role.

Sendejo was the Browns’ third leading tackler (66) and finished the season with 2 passes defended and 1 forced fumble. Fans will remember him for constantly trying to deliver a huge hit like a missile, often being a step late in coverage, and sometimes drawing a penalty.

Sendejo was the 87th-graded safety by PFF out of 93 safeties, with a grade of 45.4. You might think that’s bad, but Sheldrick Redwine actually ranked two spots worse with a grade of 41.5. But at least we had Karl Joseph, who ranked 80th with a grade of 52.2.

Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: Sendejo saw the most action out of Cleveland’s safeties last year, so he knows the system well. And, assuming that Cleveland gets Delpit back and Ronnie Harrison or someone else starts at the other position, Sendejo could truly serve his role as a veteran backup safety like he was intended to in 2020.

What the Browns Should Do: I was irritated by Sendejo’s play early on in 2020, but as the season went along, my perspective changed on him. First, there was no doubt that guy was giving every ounce of effort, which I had an appreciation for. He was simply a step slow and not meant to be a starting safety any more, which wasn’t his fault — but he tried. I think it’s better that Cleveland just let Sendejo walk and find other options. Even as a rotational player, I think the team could find someone with as much upside but more youth.

Also, check out the article where Barry Shuck and Thomas Moore talked about veteran players the Browns should bring back, and what their thoughts were on Sendejo.

Let us know below whether or not the team should try to re-sign Andrew Sendejo.