5 linebackers Cleveland Browns could sign today

5. Clay Matthews III

Anyone who tells you that Clay Matthews III could come in and take the exact role that Mack Wilson has played doesn’t watch football. The idea behind this signing would be to bring Clay Matthews in to play that SAM linebacker position, instead of the MIKE or WILL spot like what Mack Wilson plays.

Clay Matthews III, like his father and Cleveland Browns legend Clay Matthews Jr, belongs in the Hall of Fame. The amount of knowledge that Clay could bring to this Browns roster across almost all positions in the front seven is immense.

Matthews has played predominantly in 3-4 defenses but has played almost every position along the front seven. He has spent time as an outside linebacker, being great at both pass rushing and coverage, while also spending time as an inside linebacker.

The Browns could use Clay Matthews III as a swiss army knife, causing confusion whenever he’s on the field. As a SAM linebacker, he could step in and predominantly be used for blitzes, as the Browns don’t really have a linebacker who can rush the passer well. This role seems to be currently held by Sione Takitaki, who could really use the mentorship of someone like Clay Matthews III.

If the Browns were to bring in Matthews, they would likely rely on Jacob Phillips and BJ Goodson to play the MIKE and WILL linebacker positions. You could even see the Browns swap to a 4-2-5 and take out Phillips at some points to bring in another safety, letting Karl Joseph play that box safety role in substitution of the rookie linebacker. Matthews brings too many fun possibilities to throw at defenses for the Browns to not at least consider taking a shot on him.