Cleveland Browns reportedly closing in on Paul Kruger

The Cleveland Browns are expected to make a big splash early after the free-agent market opens at 4 P.M. ET on Tuesday.

That splash could be in the form of defensive end Paul Kruger.

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The Browns were "closing in" on Kruger on Tuesday morning, according to The Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson.

The former Baltimore Ravens pass rusher is one of the markets' big names, especially for teams with a 3-4 defense. He and the Detroit Lions' Cliff Avril -- who Wison noted could be headed to the Indianapolis Colts -- have been rumored to be headed to most teams with pass-rushing needs.

There is some concern that Kruger will be overpaid. He was most effective when Terrelle Suggs was in the Ravens' lineup taking away attention, and was often replaced by Dannelle Ellerbe on rushing downs during the Ravens' Super Bowl run.

Kruger would provide some oomph for a punchless Browns pass rush. The Browns have salary-cap room to spend, but one big question remains: If Kruger is headed to Cleveland, will he be one of the few players in the buyer's market to breach the $10 million mark.

Follow Kevin Patra on Twitter @kpatra.