Cleveland Browns fill hole at linebacker with B.J. Goodson

The Cleveland Browns lost Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey this offseason and have filled one of the empty spots with free-agent linebacker B.J. Goodson

The Cleveland Browns allowed two of their top defenders to leave this offseason as fan-favorites Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert were both let go. Schobert, a free agent, was not brought back as the team balked at his asking price. Kirksey, on the other hand, was still under contract but the Browns released him in a salary-cap move.

Schobert ended up getting the deal he desired with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Green Bay Packers gave Kirksey a home. And now Cleveland has themselves a new veteran at the position as they signed a player Kirksey will help replace.

Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network announced late Wednesday that the Browns have come to terms with B.J. Goodson, a fifth-year veteran who spent three seasons with the New York Giants before joining the Packers in 2018.

Goodson was originally a fourth-round pick by the Giants back in 2016 after playing collegiately at Clemson. After working his way into a staring role in 2018, Goodson had his best season with New York, recording 61 tackles and two interceptions.

While he did record the two picks, Goodson was never great in pass coverage. He ended up being traded to the Packers last season and started nine games while playing 15. He finished with 37 tackles on the season but Green Bay decided against retaining his services in 2020.

Right now, Goodson looks to be a veteran presence that will fight for snaps with the young linebackers already in Cleveland. Sione Takitaki and Mack Wilson appear to have two starting jobs locked down and they could look for more from Willie Harvey as well.

Still, Cleveland likely isn’t done at linebacker and could add more talent in the draft.