This past NFL season, the Cleveland Browns had the league’s #4 defense. DE Myles Garrett captured his second “NFL Defensive Player of the Year” award, while rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger won the “NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year” award.
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Schwesinger was taken with the first pick in the second round last April. That is referred to as “first round talent for second round money.” But he lit it up and ended his season as the sixth-ranked tackler with 157 total tackles. He did not play in the season finale due to a quad injury.
What does the remainder of the linebacker look like going forward?
Devin Bush is a free agent, although he had a good year. Also listed on the free agent list are Jerome Baker, Winston Reid, and Mohamoud Diabate. Reid is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, while Diabate is a Restricted Free Agent.
Regardless, every name on that list that plays linebacker could be re-signed before the free agency period begins on March 9. If not, then what?
The NFL draft would be helpful, but the issue seems to be that the front office is going to go hard and heavy on the offensive side of the ball. Not that a linebacker such as Jacob Rodriquez out of Texas Tech couldn’t be selected, but the defensive players taken will most likely be few.
In free agency, the best linebacker available is Devin Lloyd. He just completed his rookie deal with Jacksonville, and they declined his fifth-year option.
It is still not certain if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will return this year. Bush and Diabate are possibly leaving in free agency, which leaves two of the three starting linebacker spots open. The only players left under contract are Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Bookie Watson, and Schwesinger.
Cleveland will need to sign a seasoned veteran to fill the openings.
Here is a possibility for the Browns.
LB Devin Lloyd
Jacksonville Jaguars
PFF ranking: 89.1
NFL draft: 2022 Round 1, pick #27 (Jaguars)
Accolades: Two-time First Team All-Pac 12 (2020,2021), Consensus All-American (2021), Pat Tillman Defensive Player of the Year award (2021), NFL All-Rookie Team (2022), Pro Bowl (2025), Second Team All-Pro (2025)
2025 season: 15 starts, 81 tackles, 10 QB hits, 1.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 7 batted passes, 15 pressures, 5 hurries, 8 knockdowns, 6 tackles for loss, 0 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 6 missed tackles, 33 receptions allowed, 706 snaps (73%)
Who doesn’t remember Lloyd’s pick-six against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5 on Monday Night Football? You know, the 99-yard touchdown return?
Lloyd is the #1 linebacker available in free agency this year. He is considered a complete linebacker and was ranked in the Top-10 in pass-rush grades, coverage, and run defense.
He began as a safety in high school and was moved to linebacker as he bulked up. He has good length with great range and will give it his all in pursuit. Has a good burst off the snap and decides in a hurry if it’s a run play, makes up his mind, and seeks out the ball carrier.
Great feel in coverage and possesses straight-line speed. Not fast, but quick. Good run stopper.
Lloyd’s negatives are that he will overrun his lane on occasion and can be a bit too aggressive. But he has good athletic skills and the speed needed to recover.
He made the Pro Bowl this past season and was tabbed Second Team All-Pro. What is remarkable is his five interceptions from the linebacker position, which was tied for second most in the league. A lot of defensive backs who are paid big money to secure picks would love those numbers.