Browns Sign LB Matthew Adams
The Cleveland Browns announced the signing of linebacker Matthew Adams. A weakside linebacker that previously played for the Chicago Bears, Adams appears to be another player who will be competing for a role on special teams. In fact, the team website's subheading read, "Adams has been a frequent contributor on special teams throughout his career".
Adams was drafted in the seventh round out of the 2018 NFL Draft from the University of Houston by the Indianapolis Colts. He played for the Colts for four seasons before signing with the Bears this past year. In his time with the Colts, he would've been coached on special teams by Bubba Ventrone, recently hired by the Browns to coordinate that unit.
The 6' 229 pounds Adams did see defensive reps this past season, but most of his contributions came on special teams.
In 2021 with Ventrone and the Colts, Adams played 351 special teams snaps, second on the team. That accounted for 79.05 percent of the special teams snaps on the season. If that is an indication of the trust Ventrone has in Adams, he could be a major contributor in that facet of the game. PFF's grade for Adams that year was 90.8.
Adams joins fellow linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk and defensive back Mike Ford Jr. as recent moves made by the Browns with a heavy focus on special teams. Kunaszyk led the Browns in special teams snaps in 2022 with 317, missing the last few games with injury.
Ventrone appears to be putting his stamp on the special teams units early. Adams could be helpful in helping to teach some of what he wants to do as well as helping to communicate the expectations for that group.
