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Cliff Avril, shown celebrating a sack for the Detroit Lions in a game against Minnesota, is a target of the Cleveland Browns in free agency, sources have told The Plain Dealer.

(Photo by AP)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns will pursue two of the biggest-name pass-rushers in free agency in Baltimore's Paul Kruger and Detroit's Cliff Avril, league sources said.

They're also likely to go after Raiders defensive tackle Desmond Bryant and Cardinals linebacker Quentin Groves, according to sources.

Teams can begin negotiating with other teams’ free agents at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, and can begin signing them Tuesday. The Browns have needs at quarterback, tight end, linebacker and cornerback.

Kruger, who helped the Ravens defeat San Francisco in the Super Bowl last month, will be one of the most sought-after pass-rushers on the market if the Ravens don’t re-sign him by Tuesday. A second-round pick of the Ravens in 2009 out of Utah, Kruger (6-4, 270) had nine sacks in five starts at outside linebacker last season, and added 4.5 in the playoffs. Kruger, 27, could command as much as $9 million per year.

The signing of Kruger would not only bolster the Browns but weaken their AFC North foe.

The same would go for players such as Steelers receiver Mike Wallace and cornerback Keenan Lewis if the Browns go that route.

Avril, a defensive end, will also be a hot ticket come Tuesday.

But the Browns might have the inside track because their new defensive line coach, Joe Cullen, helped draft Avril, 26, in Detroit in 2008 and developed him as a rookie. That season, Avril led all rookies with six sacks and four forced fumbles.

Franchised by the Lions last season for almost $11 million per year, Avril, a third-round pick out of Purdue, has averaged nearly 10 sacks per year over the past three seasons, including 9.5 in 2012 and 11 in 2011. Avril (6-3, 252) has the skill set to play outside linebacker in Ray Horton’s 3-4, multifront scheme.

Groves, 28, played last season in Arizona for Horton, where he had four sacks in seven starts at left outside linebacker. A second-round pick of the Jaguars in 2008 out of Auburn, Groves (6-3, 265) has also played for the Raiders (2010-11).

Bryant, who was arrested Feb. 24 in Miami on a misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief, had four sacks in eight starts last season. He was originally signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent out of Harvard.

On list of the top 2013 free agents compiled by CBSsports.com, Avril is ranked No. 3; Kruger No. 14; and Bryant No. 15.

Extra points: All or most of the Browns' free agents will hit the market on Tuesday. One who will test the market is tight end Ben Watson, who's expected to receive interest from other teams. Linebacker Kaluka Maiava is also expected to leave, a source said. Cardinals QB Brian Hoyer, a restricted free agent, is waiting to see if the Cardinals tender him. Hoyer, a St. Ignatius grad, would love to play for his hometown team if the Cardinals decide to let him go, a source said.