CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Terrelle Pryor could be coming back home, and the Browns are targeting tackles such as Nate Solder to replace Joe Thomas, sources tell cleveland.com.

What's more, the Browns' trade for Packers cornerback Damarious Randall won't preclude them pursuing big-name cornerbacks in free agency such as the Rams' Trumaine Johnson, who played for Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for four season with the Rams.

They'll also go after Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland, a fourth-round pick out of Clemson in 2014. That's in part because Randall is expect to play free safety here depending on how things shake out in free agency and the draft, a source told cleveland.com.

The "legal tampering period" began at noon on Monday, with teams permitted to begin negotiating deals for free agents and then consummating them when the league year opens Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The Browns got a jump on free agency by trading for quarterback Tyrod Taylor, receiver Jarvis Landry and Randall, but they'll still be big players in the market, and have about $77.9 million to spend, according to overthecap.com.

The Browns will pursue Pryor, who never wanted to leave here in the first place last year. But his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn't think it was best for Pryor to be wrapped up for four years at about $8.5 million to $9.5 million a year. Instead, he declined the offer and the Browns gave a similar deal to Kenny Britt, who flopped and was cut in December after making $10 million guaranteed.

Pryor also didn't fare well in Washington, but struggled with foot and ankle injuries for most of the season and ultimately underwent season-ending ankle surgery in November. His numbers in Washington were similar to what Britt's were here: 22 catches for 240 yards and a TD in nine games, including two starts.

But Browns coach Hue Jackson likes Pryor and actually tried to get him back in a trade before the deadline in October. Under Jackson and then-receivers coach Al Saunders, Pryor caught 77 passes for 1,007 yards in 2016.

If he returns, he'll likely play outside opposite marquee "X" receiver Josh Gordon, with Landry playing in the slot. It would provide new quarterback Tyrod Taylor with a trio of dangerous receivers, and he'll also have Duke Johnson and David Njoku as targets. The Browns will also likely add some weapons to what they hope is a high-powered passing game in the draft, where they have five picks in the first 64, including No. 1 and No. 4 overall.

Pryor commented on a Duke Johnson Instagram post this offseason, saying "Hopefully I'll be witcha next year.''

Other receivers likely on the Browns' radar are Jacksonville's Allen Robinson, who's coming a torn ACL, and the Rams' Sammy Watkins, who played with Taylor in Buffalo.

The pre-free agency period opened with Thomas still not informing the Browns of his plans for the 2018 season. Sources say that the longer it goes, the more the Browns think he'll retire, which has them looking around for his replacement.

One option is Solder, who's started the past seven seasons for the Patriots. The Texans' are also reportedly hot on the heels of Solder (6-8, 314).

Texans are making a strong run at LT Nate Solder. They’re desperate for a new LT. They started 5 LTs last season. — John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 12, 2018

The Dolphins are also shopping right tackle J'Waun James, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. James has never played left tackle, so it would be a projection for the Browns. The 2014 first-round pick has started all 47 of his games for the Dolphins at right tackle. James is playing on his fifth-year option of $9.34 million.

Johnson, the 6-2, 213-pound cornerback would be a natural fit because of his history with Williams, and the Browns need help on the back end, especially if the Browns move Randall to safety, which a source told cleveland.com is a possibility.



The Packers are reportedly heavily pursuing Johnson, a third-round pick in 2012, after trading Randall to the Browns.

Johnson, 28, has played two years under the franchise tag, collecting $30.69 million. In 2015, he grabbed a career-high seven interceptions, the only time in six seasons he had more than three.

If they don't land Johnson, the top corner on the market, they'll look to Breeland. The Panthers and a number of other teams have been mentioned in connection with the fifth-year pro.

The Browns figure to be active in the market, and might still have some trades up their sleeves. They haven't been thrilled with 2015 No. 15 overall pick Corey Coleman, and would likely be willing to move him, especially if they sign Pryor, Robinson or another free agent receiver.