The Cleveland Browns have remade their defense this offseason. Joining Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Ronnie Harrison, the Browns could have as many as eight new starters on that side of the ball in 2021.

That number is not set in stone as one of the returning linebackers could be considered a starter, even if somewhat unlikely, and there is the possible return of Sheldon Richardson.

Mary Kay Cabot, in one of her subscriber pieces, noted that the Browns and Richardson had an understanding when he was released that the two could reunite later in the offseason:

The Browns parted ways on good terms with Richardson, with the agreement that he could be re-signed later in the offseason. There’s been interest from other teams in the ninth-year pro, but he enjoyed his two seasons here, and might prefer Cleveland to starting over again elsewhere.

The Browns valued Richardson’s performance on the field as well as his leadership. In his place, the Browns have brought in Malik Jackson in free agency, Tommy Togiai in the 2021 NFL draft, and signed undrafted free agent Marvin Wilson after the draft.

Former second-round pick Malik McDowell was signed this offseason as well as he looks to try to make a comeback to football. McDowell has never played a professional snap due to an off-field accident and legal matters.

Andrew Billings returns from the COVID-19 opt-out list but he is most suited to replace Larry Ogunjobi as the team’s primary nose tackle.

The defensive tackle room seems quite crowded at this time despite only Jordan Elliott being the only current holdover from the 2020 roster expected to take significant snaps. Yet only Jackson has proven positive performance on the field among the group. The rest is filled with hopes of performance with little to no proof at this level.

That is where Richardson comes in. While the Browns were not willing to pay him the $13 million he was owed against the salary cap this season. Instead, they took a $1.6 million dead cap hit to release him.

That Sheldon Richardson hasn’t signed with another team, despite reported interest, and that the Browns still have him on their radar seems to signal a return for the eight-year pro. A starting defensive line of Myles Garrett, Malik Jackson, Sheldon Richardson, and Jadeveon Clowney could put fear in the hearts of many offensive coordinators and quarterbacks.

The Browns and Richardson could reunite but nothing is certain at this point.