
#2 S · Cleveland Browns
1 transaction this offseason
Height
5'10"
Weight
215 lbs
Age
27
College
Auburn
Draft
2020, Rd 5, #157
Experience
6 yrs
S Rank
#193 / 197
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | INT | PD | Tkl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 83 | 1 | 3 | 94 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 12 | 0 | 1 | 23 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 15 | 0 | 0 | 10 |
| 2023 | ![]() | 15 |
Total Value
$3.0M
Guaranteed
$1.1M
AAV
$1.5M/yr
This Daniel Thomas signing earns a **C- CVI**, representing a slight overpay for what amounts to a depth safety investment. At $1.5M AAV, the Browns are paying above-average backup money for an unproven commodity who hasn't established himself as a reliable NFL contributor. The contract structure offers some protection with only $1.1M guaranteed out of the $3.0M total, meaning Cleveland can cut bait relatively painlessly if Thomas doesn't develop into the player they're hoping for. While safety depth is crucial and Thomas may have untapped potential that caught the Browns' scouts' attention, spending this much on an unproven player when proven veterans often sign for similar money makes this a questionable allocation of resources. The deal suggests Cleveland sees specific traits in Thomas that could translate to NFL success, but until he proves he can consistently contribute at the professional level, this represents a premium paid for projection rather than production.
Daniel Thomas earns an F for the Browns at safety, a player who has been unable to compete at the NFL level in Cleveland's defense. Thomas has been beaten in coverage consistently and has not shown the range or instincts needed to play safety in the NFL. His tackling has been inconsistent, and he has been a liability when asked to cover tight ends and running backs. The Browns defense has been strong at other positions, but the safety depth has been a concern. Thomas has not given the coaching staff any reason to trust him with meaningful snaps.
A classic special teams depth signing with minimal offensive impact expected. Multiple headlines emphasize his special teams value over defensive contributions, signaling his true role. His Lions and Jaguars tenure confirm a career journeyman profile, not a starter. Browns fans will debate whether better safety depth was available in free agency. Thomas likely competes for a roster spot as a core special teamer and depth option.
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| 0 |
| 0 |
| 8 |
| 2022 | ![]() | 15 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2021 | ![]() | 16 | 0 | 0 | 27 |
| 2020 | ![]() | 10 | 1 | 2 | 18 |
Updated Mar 19, 2026
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)
F
2023
(20% weight)