Cleveland Browns will not need to add any linebackers to current group

The Cleveland Browns linebacker group has the most uncertainty on the roster, but it is not a unit that needs more new faces.

After a flurry of changes this offseason, the Cleveland Browns added to every position group on their roster. One of the position groups that did not receive much attention from the new front office was the linebacker group, which saw the departures of two starters in Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey.

With Kirksey and Schobert moving on, the Browns seemingly had holes across the board at linebacker. Despite these departures, the front office did not make any big moves to the group, only signing B.J. Goodson to a one-year deal and drafting Jacob Phillips in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Goodson and Phillips are expected to battle for one of the three starting linebacker jobs with second-year linebackers Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki. All four linebackers will be given opportunities at each linebacker spot, according to Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods.

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Not only is Woods ensuring versatility with his linebackers and making sure he is playing each player at their best position, but he is expecting them to show rapid development with their increased playing time, especially Wilson and Takitaki.

"“They are both athletic. They have cover skills. They have range,” Woods said. “They play with a nasty demeanor. Both of those guys just look like what we want in a linebacker: athletic, play physical and run to the ball. I think they are a natural fit. They are just both young guys who need to keep gaining experience.” – Woods via ClevelandBrowns.com"

Wilson and Takitaki are both expected to start in the base defense along with Goodson, as Phillips is expected to be a role player during his rookie season. However, it will be determined how Woods decides to deploy his linebackers in sub-defense. Woods has also discussed the idea of switching to a primarily dime defense with only two linebackers on the field.

With the expectation of using only two linebackers and the development of the young backers with more playing time, the Browns will not need to add a veteran linebacker to the group before training camp.

Although free agents like Nigel Bradham or Jake Ryan can be viewed as upgrades, the Browns are hoping their young players will continue to develop and become steady contributors to the defense. Signing a veteran to take away that playing time could stunt the development of the young linebackers.

Also, if the Browns do decide to play a two linebacker sub defense frequently, adding another veteran linebacker to the group could create a crowded room and limit the playing time of a player who needs the extra snaps.

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The Browns may not have added any big names to their linebacker group and instead are hoping for development from the group. In order to achieve that development, signing a veteran at this point of the offseason is not a move that needs to be made.

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