Another Linebacker Coming to Cleveland

Only for a visit, though.  Arizona LB Darryl Blackstock will be visiting the Browns on Tuesday, and working out for the team on Wednesday.

What’s good about Blackstock?  Well, he is a linebacker (a position the Browns could definitely improve upon) who is well-versed in the 3-4 defense.  Before free agency started, I was thinking the Browns could go after LB Lance Briggs, but, after all, he was a 4-3 linebacker.  There would have been some element of transition, not to mention Briggs’ big contract.  Blackstock (6-3, 224) is a cheap signing and he is already familiar with the system.

The problem is, he’s never been an every-down player in the NFL.  He was resigned to backup duties and special teams in Arizona, but there is a belief out there that he would succeed in the right system.  And that system looks to be that of the Browns.  Blackstock isn’t flashy, but he brings much-needed depth to the defense and, hopefully, he will be able to contribute.  Last season, he managed 21 tackles, one forced fumble, and three sacks.

Miami and Cincinnati are also interested in Blackstock’s services, but it may never come down to that if the linebacker has a strong showing in the next few days.  And if it comes down to it, Phil Savage seems to have no trouble stealing potential signings from the Bengals.  I think it’s safe to call them the Bungles again.