Browns Linebackers a Gamble in 2023
There’s no question that last year’s run defense was horrible for the Cleveland Browns. There’s also no question that the complete failure of the Browns linebackers as a group played a huge role there.
Tough Luck Injuries
Every team has injuries, but the 2023 Browns linebackers had some particularly hard luck. Though the team only starts two or three linebackers each week, they lost an astounding FIVE to season-long injuries. Those injuries included Anthony Walker Jr, who the team relies on to make its defensive calls, in Week 3. Later in the season, the team also lost strong side starter Sione Takitaki.
The team expects both players to return to their starting roles in 2023, though both are currently less than 100%. The team hasn’t been exactly forthcoming with updates on the Browns linebackers. Both are currently listed as “Questionable” on the ESPN depth chart. Walker, who tore his quad tendon, should be ready for camp. However, in May, it was noted by the Akron Beacon Journal that Walker “isn’t at a point yet where he could play in a game.” Takitaki tore his ACL in December. While ACL injuries aren’t the career ender they used to be, a full recovery in just seven months isn’t exactly a lock.
No New Names
The team has had a big focus on reloading the defense for 2023. The Browns added a new coordinator, Jim Schwartz. Then they added two pass rushers. They added a big-money defensive tackle, and a big-money safety. So, you’d be forgiven if you thought there’d be some new Browns linebackers in the fold?
Except… not so much.
Confoundingly, the Browns added four new defensive tackles, three new wide receivers, two new quarterbacks (and a partridge in a pear tree) but made nary a single significant addition at linebackers. Instead, they chose to bring back the guys they already had. Walker, Takitaki, and Jordan Kunaszyk were free agents and signed new contracts with the team. Surprisingly, the Browns let more linebackers leave (four) than they signed (one). The only new signee – Matthew Adams – is known primarily as a special teams contributor.
Given those two Questionable tags on ESPN’s depth chart, it’s hard to say what the Browns front office thinks here. Going down the depth chart doesn’t solve anything. Adams, the special teams contributor, is listed as the backup weak side linebacker. His fellow top backups, Jacob Phillips and Tony Fields II, are the only two remaining Browns Linebackers who were even drafted.
Speaking of the draft, though the Browns didn’t have much in the way of draft picks, it was still surprising that the team didn’t address its linebackers in the late rounds. The team snagged a QB, CB, and an offensive lineman instead. Looking at free agency, the only big name available was Tremaine Edmunds. The Bears gobbled him up for $50M guaranteed. Only two other players even received multiyear contracts, which could have created some bargains overlooked by the Browns.
Questionable Strategy
What were the Browns looking for? It’s hard to say. While the team has been forthcoming on Schwartz’s predilections up front and in the secondary, little has been said about his thought on Browns linebackers. In recent years, the Browns have shown that they prefer their linebackers to be small and speedy rather than big and beefy. Of the nine Browns linebackers on the roster, only two weigh more than 230 lbs. One – Charley Thomas III – weighs a pound less than one of the team’s punters.
The team could have taken a flyer on Arizona Cardinals linebacker Ezekiel Turner. Turner resigned with the birds for a year at $2M. Turner’s known as a speedy special teamer, having played DB in college. Special teams efficiency is a known focus of the Browns in 2023 (see their only signing at linebacker).
Or what about former Pittsburgh Steeler Devin Bush? Bush, a former first-round pick, signed a one-year $3.5 million deal in Seattle. Bush was a four-year starter for Pittsburgh, racking up 81 tackles last year. At 234 lbs, he’s a little heavier than the Browns generally go for. But the Browns aren’t in cap trouble, as they still have roughly $18M to spend if they choose.
For all the talk this season about the Browns being in a win-now mode, their lack of focus at linebacker is concerning. They’re gambling a lot that both Walker and Taikitaki are healthy. They’re doubling down that they’re both the same players they were before their season-ending injuries.
For all the talk of gambling in the NFL in general, the way the Browns are treating their linebacker position seems like an unnecessary one.
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