Cleveland is going to spend money on free agency in 2025, despite what national and local media report. Today I’ll start a series of articles on six positions Cleveland will need to address, whether it be as starters or backups, quarterback, offensive tackle, safety, tight end, center and offensive guard. Today, safety.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz loves to play three safeties. Last year it was Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill and Rodney McLeod. The current safety roster consists of Delpit, Thornhill, Ronnie Hickman. D’Anthony Bell (RFA), Christopher Edmonds (ERFA) and Trey Dean. Hickman and Bell have played well at times but are rotational players. McLeod retired and Cleveland must decide if they want to bring back Thornhill at $7 million. His problem the last two years has been injuries, but when he played, he was very good. While I could see them drafting a safety, I believe they would like to bring in a veteran starting safety and a veteran backup.

Justin Simmons, Falcons. Simmons is 32 years old, played 91.4% snaps and has been in the league nine years. His cap hit for 2024 was $7.5 million. His potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $5.5 million.

Quandre Diggs, Titans. Diggs is 32 years old, played 39.6% snaps and has been in the league ten years. His cap for 2024 was $3 million. His potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $1.255 million.

Jordan Poyer, Dolphins. Poyer is 34 years old, played 90.6% snaps and has been in the league twelve years. His cap hit for 2024 was $2 million. His potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $3 million.

Veteran Backups:

M.J. Stewart, Texans. Stewart is 29 years old, played 8.6% snaps and has been in the league seven years. His cap hit for 2024 was $3 million. His potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $3 million.

Marcus Maye, Chargers. Maye is 32 years old, played 37.7% snaps and has been in the league eight years. His cap hit for 2024 was $1.377 million. His potential 2025 contract could be one-year at $1.5 million.

Will Harris, Saints. Harris is 30 years old, played 73.1% snaps and has been in the league six years. His cap hit for 2024 was $1.292 million His potential 2025 contract could be one-year $1.170 million.

Others:

Tashaun Gibson, 49ers, Isaiah Oliver, Jets, Daryl Worley, Titans and Nick Scott, Panthers.

Next offensive tackle.