4 free agent linebackers Cleveland Browns should target in 2022 offseason

Cleveland Browns LB Target: Christian Kirksey

This would be a homecoming for both Christian Kirksey and the Browns. Kirksey was drafted by the team in 2014 and he played for them when they were at their worst. He had his best seasons statistically in 2016 and 2017 when the team only won one game. He recorded 148 and 138 tackles those years.

Kirksey left the team in 2020 and played a year up in Green Bay for the Packers and then went down to play for the Houston Texans this past year. His 93 tackles were decent production for the eight-year NFL veteran.

At his peak, he was making upwards of $9 million with the Browns back in 2017. This past year he made just more the $2.1 million. He’s 29 years old, which raises a question as to whether or not he still have enough left in the tank to get a few more productive years out of him?

Would returning to Cleveland and a team primed to get back in the playoffs be enough to get him to return? Would the Browns be willing to bring him back? He did give his heart and soul to the team when the franchise was at its worst.

A reunion of sorts would be a nice touch and Kirksey still could help this team out.

There are other linebackers available this offseason too. The free-agent market also includes New York Giants Reggie Ragland and former Alabama star. It also includes Alexander Johnson, who has played well for the Denver Broncos this past season, and Jon Bostic of the Washington Football team. He suffered an injury this past year and missed most of the season. Dallas Cowboy linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is also available this offseason. He’s had a productive career and could be a nice pick-up for some team.

Whatever direction the Browns attack this position deficiency will be interesting to follow. They struck gold with the drafting of Owusu-Koramoah.

Can they do it again in this upcoming draft? There are several good veterans out there too. Maybe a combination of the two would be another step in the right direction.