Malcolm Smith, LB
The former Super Bowl MVP is slated to be a free agent after this season. Malcom Smith has been the Browns’ best linebacker this season and an excellent pickup for the franchise. This has been his best season since his time in Oakland, and he deserves praise for being a bright spot on a porous defense. He has been one of the best
Smith, a former seventh-round pick, has had an incredible career and I don’t think it should end after this season. Despite being 31 and turning 32 before next season, I would love to see him in a Cleveland Browns uniform again next season. If he could be brought back on another one year contract, that would be an ideal situation for the franchise. In a room of young, inexperienced linebackers, the guidance of someone like Smith who has won on the biggest stage can be invaluable.
Kevin Johnson, CB
Kevin Johnson is another player like Malcolm Smith and Karl Joseph that have been great signings for the Cleveland Browns. Johnson isn’t the answer for the other starting cornerback opposite of Denzel Ward, but he is a good depth piece for the team to have in the future.
Statistically, he has been good in coverage this season, and entering year two with the franchise he could be even better, especially as he gets more comfortable with the system and team.
Turning 29 next season, Johnson still has a year or two left in his athletic prime, and could still be a valuable asset to the Cleveland Browns.