4 free agency predictions for Cleveland Browns this offseason

3. B.J. Goodson, Linebacker

Predicted to sign with Browns for $6.5 million over two years

The last free agent mentioned in the entire article is Cleveland Browns linebacker B.J. Goodson, who comes in at No. 151. Goodson often drew the ire of fans in 2020 but then again, so did all linebackers in Cleveland.

As for Goodson, he was actually a decent player last season. According to the PFF article, he finished with a solid grade overall and improved in pass coverage this season.

"“Goodson played a career-high 937 snaps in 2020, and his 66.0 overall grade ranked 24th among NFL linebackers. Goodson was best suited for an early-down run-stopping role in his first few years, but he rounded out his game with a career-high 66.1 coverage grade to go with four pass breakups last season.” — PFF.com"

Goodson still was best when playing run defense and had a team-high 91 tackles. The Browns will be making some changes at linebacker but they could do worse than retaining Goodson. He’s a veteran presence who is often in the right position and even added two picks a fumble recovery for good measure.

He’s not a player who will jump off the tape but having a top-24 linebacker isn’t the worst thing in the world. At the very least, he’s a starting-caliber player who won’t break the bank. And with an analytical general manager in Andrew Berry calling the shots, this prediction could be spot on.