Cleveland Browns: 3 Linebackers to consider as 2019 NFL Free Agency approaches
By Randy Gurzi
3. Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers
From 2012 through 2017, Steve Wilks was an assistant coach with the Carolina Panthers. During that time, he served as the defensive backs coach, assistant head coach, and defensive coordinator. He was highly praised for his work on the Panthers defense and that landed him a job as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.
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That ended up lasting just one season as things were just bad in the desert. The roster was a mess, the general manager made some poor moves — especially with free agent quarterbacks — and the team just felt like they were out of rhythm from the start.
Now looking to rebuild his reputation, Wilks joins the Browns as their defensive coordinator and could turn to a familiar face for help in Thomas Davis. In an unexpected move, the veteran linebacker was let go by the Panthers and is looking for a new home in 2019. The Browns could be a fit as he offers up a strong veteran leader. But that’s not to say Davis would simply be there as a player-coach.
Last season, Davis was still playing at a high level. After missing four games due to a suspension, he started 12 contests and recorded 79 tackles and recovered two fumbles. He would help teams adapt to Wilks’s system and his presence wouldn’t deter the team from drafting a young linebacker considering he’s nearing the end of his career.