4 Free agent linebackers the Cleveland Browns need to consider this offseason

While an analytical regime like the Cleveland Browns is never going to put a huge value on linebackers, it’s a position that the team must improve at if they want to be a real contender. While injuries devastated the position in 2020, it also appears the Browns have a lack of talent at the position.

B.J. Goodson had a strong year, but just isn’t the athlete needed in the 4-2-5 scheme that Joe Woods wants to eventually run. Jacob Phillips showed a lot of positive signs in his rookie year but struggled to stay on the field with injuries.

Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki will both be coming into their third year in the league, and both have struggled to be consistent. Takitaki has struggled in coverage at times and over pursued the run game as well. He has flashed here and there, but just not enough consistency to count on. Wilson showed a few real signs as a rookie, but a knee injury in training camp pretty much ruined his entire 2020 season. He never looked to have the speed back and really struggled to get on the field.

While the Browns do have a few decent pieces to start, they need one more piece at the position who is proven. Drafting a linebacker again in the first few rounds is fine, but if this team wants to compete for a title, they need to know what they are getting. Here are four options that would fit nicely.

Jayon Brown:

A guy that Andrew Berry could have on his radar is Jayon Brown who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 2017 and has spent his entire career there. Brown had a strong 2018 and 2019 campaign where he totaled 202 tackles in two seasons to go along with 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

Brown will be 26 in 2021, which is a huge benefit and is also coming off an injury in 202 that limited him to only 10 games. Berry may see an opportunity to get a discount on a young player with a high ceiling, but that will also likely attract other teams including the Titans

At 6 foot, 226 pounds, Brown is a smaller linebacker but has the extra quickness and speed the Browns are looking for while still having the toughness to fill gaps in the interior line. Unfortunately, I think the Titans will be able to bring Brown back in 2021, but if he slips away it would be a great fit for the Cleveland Browns.