Browns showed hot pursuit of Pro Bowl fullback in NFL free agency

The Cleveland Browns almost added a new fullback to the roster in NFL free agency.

It looks like the Browns are getting back into the belly of the beast in terms of heavier personnel under new head coach Todd Monken, because they were reported to have been in the market for one of the best fullbacks in the NFL before he opted to sign with the New York Giants . Former Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard signed back with his former head coach, John Harbaugh, in the Big Apple, but not without competition.

The Athletic's Dan Duggan, who is a beat writer for the Giants, has stated that the Browns were also heavy in pursuit of Ricard before he opted to land with his former head coach in Baltimore. Monken, who was Ricard's offensive coordinator for the last three years, tried his best to bring his fullback with him to Cleveland.

What this could mean for the Browns in NFL free agency

If the Browns were this heavy after a fullback, even one that Monken had a great deal of familiarity with, it could signal that the pursuit is not over. Sure, Monken could have just wanted his guy. But if Monken's scheme requires a fullback, then the Browns will likely go get him a fullback.

Over the past few seasons, the Browns have been using backup centers and defensive tackles, like Nick Harris and Adin Huntington , as their fullback in heavy personnel situations. This could signal that this will not continue with Stefanski now in Atlanta and with Monken at the helm.

Will the Browns eventually land a true fullback? We'll see.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns showed hot pursuit of FB Patrick Ricard in NFL free agency