6 players who could end up on the Browns roster in 2022
By Randy Gurzi
1. Fred Warner, Linebacker
Availability: Free agent in 2022
Last year, the linebacking corps in Cleveland left a lot to be desired. This season, they’re hoping to be much improved with the addition of Anthony Walker who came over in free agency from the Indianapolis Colts.
The Browns also added Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah who is more of a hybrid player but they still don’t really have a true three-down linebacker. That could change if they target Fred Warner in free agency during the next offseason.
Warner, a third-round pick out of BYU in 2018, has been a starter for the Niners since he stepped on the field. He has 48 starts in three seasons with 367 tackles, three interceptions, and five forced fumbles.
As long as he continues to play at this high of a level, there’s no reason for Warner not to get a massive deal. But with the Browns electing not to pay a lot at linebacker so far, why would they change their minds with Warner?
One reason would be familiarity. Warner knows the system being run by defensive coordinator Joe Woods, who was the passing game coordinator for the 49ers defense during the linebacker’s first two seasons in the NFL.
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On top of that, Andrew Berry and company could finally break down and pay for a player they know they can trust should they again struggle to stop offenses thanks to their continued issues at this position.