Should Browns Still Be Players In Linebacker Market?
Free agency got off to a relentlessly fast start when the new league year opened on Wednesday afternoon.
Cleveland has not necessarily turned many heads in the sense of making flashy, splash moves. That being said, they have been smart about the talent added to an already solid roster.
Last season the Browns had one of the best, if not the best defense in the NFL under the leadership of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Despite the defensive success, the linebacker room felt thin due to injuries and a lack of depth on paper going into the season.
Pro-Bowl linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah shouldered the load last season and it is evident that the Browns front office has seen the need to get their star linebacker some more help.
Anthony Walker Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins and Sione Takitaki also joined the AFC East by signing a two-year deal with the New England Patriots.
Andrew Berry and company were able to replace those losses with the additions of former Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks and former Steelers and Seahawks linebacker Devin Bush.
Cleveland typically plays in two linebacker sets which means that they need linebackers who are physical against the run, yet have the range to cover some distance. Hicks fits the mold well at MIKE next to JOK, as a physical tackler who has 574 tackles in his nine year career.
As for Bush, he has had his ups and downs in recent times. The smart thing about his signing is that he can be a low risk backup with starting experience.
It feels like Cleveland is missing one more piece in the linebacker room however. Another guy who has rangy characteristics could be the perfect compliment to the current group.
Here are a few free agents to keep an eye on as excellent potential fits.
Jerome Baker
Baker is already a player that many Browns fans have been clamoring for on social media. The former Miami Dolphin and Ohio State Buckeye is a local product who played his high school football at Benedictine.
The 27-year-old veteran has been productive in his NFL career, totaling 587 tackles while also adding 22.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 5 interceptions in six seasons.
I am personally skeptical on whether Cleveland would even want to spend the money it will likely take to land Baker, but the impact he would make on the field would be undeniable. In order to bring Baker back home, the Browns would likely need to get involved quickly since he has visited the Titans recently and also had a meeting with the Seahawks on Friday.
Oct 22, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker (55) returns an interception for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah Simmons
Simmons is an intriguing free agent due to his length and athleticism. His production in New York with the Giants was down last year compared to his time in Arizona. For that reason, Cleveland could likely land Simmons for much cheaper than Jerome Baker.
If Simmons makes his way to the Browns, he will be a solid backup yet also offer value at SAM in three linebacker sets.
Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) is sacked by New York Giants safety Isaiah Simmons (19) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Leighton Vander Esch
Vander Esch was just released by the Dallas Cowboys on Friday afternoon. He has had his battles with injuries throughout his career and according to CBS Sports his release was due to a failed physical. This is a result of his lingering neck issue that cut his season short in 2023.
If Vander Esch can get back to full health, Cleveland may want to explore the prospects of adding the former first-round pick.
Oct 1, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) returns a fumble for a touchdown in the second quarter against the New England Patriots at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
If the Browns don't sign another free agent linebacker in the next few weeks, expect them to add another in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
