4 Cleveland Browns free agents that need to be re-signed

Cleveland Browns Free Agent No. 3 to resign: Anthony Walker

The former Indianapolis Colt linebacker came to Cleveland last year and much was made of his leadership and knowledge at the position. His $3 million contract was filled with incentives to get him to that mark. He had a respectable season with the Browns but not one that will be remembered as his best.

Building the defense into what they looked like at the close of the season was why the team brought Walker to town. They finished in the top half of most rankings defensively, from fewest rushing yards allowed to least number of yards given up overall.

The linebacker certainly was praised by the younger players as someone they could go to get help and learn the game and learn how to be a better professional. Those types of attributes can’t be found in all free agent talent. The Browns got a good player in Walker who helped in that area a lot. Are they willing to give him a better deal this offseason? Will his leadership role play a part in deciding to keep him in Cleveland or not?

In 2022, the linebacker free agency market is deep, and many players will be on the move. There are going to be expensive options such as Haason Reddick from the Carolina Panthers and Von Miller, from the Los Angeles Rams. Then there are the less pricey players, like Ezekiel Turner, from the Arizona Cardinals and Jon Bostic from the Washington Football Team.

Whatever, the team decides, keeping Walker should be one of their priorities. Giving him another year or two in this Browns defense will only get better. Does Walker want to stay? That’s the other big question. He’ll demand more and based on the open market will get paid more.