3 Free agent linebackers Cleveland Browns could sign once training camp begins
By Randy Gurzi
3. Alec Ogletree
Back in 2013, the St. Louis Rams took Georgia linebacker Alec Ogletree with the 30th overall selection in the NFL Draft. He was an instant starter for them and played very well. As a rookie, he started 16 games and had 119 tackles, nine of which went for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception.
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He made the PFWA All-Rookie Team that year and while he still has never been named to the Pro Bowl, he also earned All-Pro Second-Team honors in 2016. That season, the Rams linebacker had 136 tackles, two picks, and recorded another nine tackles for a loss.
That performance led to him getting paid in 2017 as the Rams extended Ogletree’s contract, giving him a four-year deal worth $42.75 million. Just one season later, he was traded to the New York Giants and spent the past two years with them before being released this February.
Still just 28-years old, there’s a lot of football left to be played for Ogletree, and while he didn’t live up to his contract for New York last season, he made plenty of plays as he finished with 80 tackles, an interception, and six pass defenses. He’s also not far removed from an impressive five-interception campaign in 2018.
For the Browns, he could come in on a one or two-year deal and serve as a mentor to the young linebackers. Helping them succeed later on would mean his impact could be felt beyond the time he spent in Cleveland.