Cleveland Browns should sign a veteran linebacker based on history

1. B.J. Goodson– Linebacker, 2020

While nothing is official yet, it appears very likely that B.J. Goodson will soon fit into this category as a tremendous one-year player for the Cleveland Browns. While Davis was a far better player, Goodson was a much better value as far as his contract with the Browns.

Last season Goodson had 91 tackles for the Browns and two interceptions, all while making just over $2 million dollars. In comparison, the Browns paid Davis over $4 million for one season of work five years prior.

Goodson certainly isn’t a top 20 linebacker in the NFL, but he gave you everything he had and was a great leader for a young team. What he lacked in athleticism he made up in heart (most of the time). Perhaps the greatest thing Goodson did in Cleveland, he got better every single week.

After being toasted in coverage so many times early in the season, Goodson was tricking quarterbacks and had a couple of great interceptions at the end of 2020. While Goodson was good, but not great for the Browns, he likely played himself into a new contract with a team that is willing to pay more than the Browns.

And while Andrew Berry likely won’t be aggressive to add a young and talented linebacker in free agency, history says to take the safe route and pay a seasoned veteran. What steal will Berry find for the Browns in 2021?