Kevin Zeitler

Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler could become a Cleveland Brown.

(Winslow Townson)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns have expressed interest in Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler and Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson among other free agents, league sources have told cleveland.com.

Jefferson, however, is set to sign with the Ravens on Thursday, according to ESPN and NFL Network, which reported that he left more money on the table from the Browns.

Others on the Browns radar heading into free agency Thursday include Jaguars safety Johnathan Cyprien and Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye, who's expected to remain in the AFC South.

With Jefferson off the table, the Browns might make a harder push for Cyprien, who's started the past four seasons for the Jaguars.

Zeitler, 27, is a natural fit for the Browns because he played for coach Hue Jackson in Cincinnati and knows the system. But the five-year veteran, 27, won't come cheap.

According to spotrac.com, he'll command something in the neighborhood of five years, $57.9 million, for an average of about $11.5 million a year. That would put him right up there in terms of yearly average with nine-time Pro Bowler Joe Thomas. It would be tied for third-highest behind Joe Haden ($13.5 million) and Jamie Collins ($12.5 million).

Zeitler would likely step right in and start for the Browns at right guard, where incumbent John Greco is recovering from Lisfranc foot surgery. Left guard Joel Bitonio is recovering from the same surgery but expects to be ready for the season.

Zeitler has been a fixture for the Bengals at right guard since he was drafted in the first round out of Wisconsin in 2012. Multiple teams have been linked to Zeitler, including the Jaguars and Colts.

Zeitler recently told Sirius XM NFL radio, "I love Cincinnati, but I'm open to anything. It's an exciting time."

As for Jefferson, 25, the Browns had a legitimate shot to land him, but he opted for the Ravens instead. The Cardinals didn't want to pay him what he'll get on the open market. Spotrac.com estimated Jefferson's value at about $5.77 million a year, but a source told cleveland.com he's looking for at least $8 million a year coming off his first year as a full-time starter.

Jefferson started 14 of his 15 games in 2016, recording 96 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and five passes defensed. Signed as an undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma in 2013, he started seven games in 2015 and eight in 2014.

Cyprien, 26, recorded 128 tackles, one forced fumble and four passes defensed in 2016.