Remember Martin Emerson Jr.?

If you had to rack your brain a little bit to remember the former Browns cornerback, no one would blame you. Emerson was a rising star for Cleveland after he was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

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Emerson, the rangy cornerback from Mississippi State, burst onto the scene in his very first preseason game, where he registered a pick-6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland thought they landed a future star, and he was well on his way to achieving that mark.

In his first year, Emerson appeared in all 17 games and registered 15 pass breakups on the year. He followed that up in year two with 14 PBUs to go along with four interceptions. It was his coming-out year, and it led to 2024, where he was the full-time starter opposite Denzel Ward, and he actually took a step back.

The best game of his career came during the Browns’ magical run in 2023. On a rainy day in northeast Ohio, the Browns found themselves in a track meet with the Jaguars. Joe Flacco had the offense looking like the greatest show on grass while Emerson was doing his best Darrell Revis impression. He finished that game with four PBUs and two interceptions to help Cleveland get a must-win.

Coming into 2025, it was a contract year for the young player, and he was in need of a very big year to land a contract either in Cleveland or elsewhere. Instead, disaster struck. Early in camp, he came up with a non-contact injury and ultimately tore his Achilles. He didn’t make an appearance last season, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

What is Martin Emerson Jr.’s NFL free agency market like?

As his contract has expired, Emerson is an unrestricted free agent, and if there was a market for him, he would have already been signed, as we are entering week two of Free Agency. Cleveland should consider giving him a prove-it deal to allow him to earn his keep and prove he can still play.

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Emerson has all of the tools to be a great defensive back in the league. What he lacks in quickness, he makes up for with decent straight-line speed and a 6’2 frame that he complements with incredibly long arms. He is almost impossible to throw against when he is tight in coverage because he can close so quickly.

If Emerson’s market continues on its current trajectory, Cleveland should be able to give him a small contract to keep him on the roster to allow him to prove to himself, the Cleveland Browns, and the rest of the NFL that he can still play in this league.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns, Martin Emerson Jr. must follow signs of NFL free agency market