Cleveland Browns: 3 free agency fits at most important positions
By Greg Newland
2. Avery Williamson – Linebacker
One of the more interesting names that isn’t catching a lot of attention in the Cleveland media is free-agent Avery Williamson. Not only is the linebacker a very productive player, but he is also a Cleveland native and may love the idea of returning home to play for the Cleveland Browns.
Williamson spent his first four full years in the league with the Tennessee Titans before signing with the New York Jets in 2018. After a monster year with 120 tackles and 3 sacks in 2018, Williamson missed the entire 2019 season because of an ACL injury.
He returned with a vengeance in 2020 and ended the season with a total of 111 tackles after being traded halfway through the season to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With all the injuries the Steelers needed a rental, and even though the team failed, Williamson showed that he is more than just a good player on a bad team.
Given the injury in 2019 and only a few years of strong production, Williamson may be more affordable than some previously believed. He could be right in the sweet spot of $7-8 million per year, which could be tempting for Berry.
The Browns could bring in a young, proven player for two years at a position of need. I can’t think of a bigger win/win for the organization.