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

By Greg Newland

Nov 29, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Lavonte David (54) before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Lavonte David (54) before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns
Dec 13, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss (20) tries to breaks a tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Avery Williamson (51) in the fourth quarter at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Avery Williamson:

One name that has really stirred interest as of late is linebacker Avery Williamson, who was traded mid-season from the New York Jets to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williamson was the rental piece the Steelers originally thought they needed because of injuries at the position to still contend for a Super Bowl after starting the season on a hot streak.

Williamson has always been extremely productive in the middle of the defense. In six total seasons, Williamson has had over 100 tackles in four of those, with 120 in 2019 and 111 in 2020. Remember, the 111 tackles in 2020 come with switching teams as well. Williamson didn’t play a large number of snaps until his third week with the teams.

While there is a good chance the Steelers will want to bring Williamson back, it will likely have to be at a discount as the Steelers have as many cap issues as any team in the league. However, many of those issues will be solved quickly if quarterback Ben Roethlisberger restructures his deal as many have already reported he will.

Williamson isn’t flashy, but if the shortlist of free-agent linebackers go quickly and for a high price tag, he would be a nice suitor in Cleveland and a definite upgrade.

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