The Cleveland Browns rode a dominant defense to a playoff berth this past season, finishing with the NFL’s fourth-ranked unit. At the heart of that success were two standout performers: Myles Garrett, who took home his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, and rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who burst onto the scene to claim NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Schwesinger, the first pick of the second round in last April’s draft, played like a first-rounder all year long-and then some. He racked up 157 total tackles, good for sixth in the league, and did it all while missing the season finale due to a quad injury.
That’s elite production at a bargain-bin rookie contract price. But as impressive as Schwesinger was, the Browns’ linebacker room is heading into the offseason with more questions than answers.
Linebacker Depth Chart: Who's Staying, Who Might Go?
Devin Bush had a solid year, but he's set to hit free agency. Jerome Baker, Winston Reid, and Mohamoud Diabate are also on that list.
Reid is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, and Diabate is a Restricted Free Agent, so Cleveland has some control over their futures. Still, none of those names are guaranteed to return, and the Browns could be looking at a major overhaul at the position.
If Bush and Diabate walk, that leaves two of the three starting linebacker spots wide open. The only players currently under contract are Schwesinger, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, and Bookie Watson. That’s a group with potential, but it’s thin on proven experience.
**The Draft? Maybe.
But Don’t Count On It. **
The Browns could turn to the draft to fill the gaps, but early signs point to the front office focusing heavily on offense this year. That doesn’t mean they won’t take a linebacker-Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez could be on their radar-but the expectation is that defensive picks will be few and far between.
Free Agency Focus: Devin Lloyd Could Be the Answer
If Cleveland wants to stabilize the linebacker corps with a proven veteran, there’s one name that jumps off the page: Devin Lloyd.
Fresh off his rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd is the top linebacker on the free agent market. Jacksonville declined his fifth-year option, making him available just as he’s hitting his prime. And he’s not just a name-he’s a playmaker.
Let’s run through the résumé:
- Size/Speed/Skill: 6'3", 235 pounds, with a 4.66 40-yard dash. Long, rangy, and explosive.
- Production: In 2025, Lloyd started 15 games and posted 81 tackles, 10 QB hits, 1.5 sacks, and 5 interceptions. That’s not a typo-five picks from a linebacker.
He also added seven batted passes, 15 pressures, and six tackles for loss.
- Accolades: Pro Bowl selection in 2025.
Second Team All-Pro. NFL All-Rookie Team in 2022.
A decorated college career at Utah, including Consensus All-American and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year honors.
And who could forget his 99-yard pick-six against the Chiefs on Monday Night Football in Week 5? That was the kind of highlight-reel moment that puts a player on every GM’s radar.
What Makes Lloyd Special
Lloyd’s game is built on instincts, range, and versatility. He started out as a safety in high school, and that background shows up in his coverage skills.
He’s got a natural feel for reading the quarterback, and he closes fast on the ball. He’s not a burner in terms of straight-line speed, but he’s quick to diagnose plays and rarely hesitates.
Against the run, Lloyd is decisive and physical. He’ll occasionally overrun a play or get caught being a little too aggressive, but his athleticism gives him the ability to recover. He’s the kind of linebacker who can stay on the field for all three downs, cover tight ends, pressure the quarterback, and stuff the run.
Why He Fits in Cleveland
Plugging Lloyd into the Browns’ defense would give them a proven, impact player to pair with Schwesinger-an ideal mix of youth and experience. With Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's status still uncertain, and multiple linebackers possibly departing, Lloyd could be the stabilizing force this unit needs.
He’s the kind of player who can elevate a defense that’s already elite. And in a division where you’re facing physical run games and mobile quarterbacks every week, having a linebacker who can do it all is more than a luxury-it’s a necessity.
The Bottom Line
The Browns have built a defense that can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the league. But if they want to keep that edge, they’ll need to shore up the linebacker position heading into 2026. Carson Schwesinger is a rising star, but he can’t do it alone.
Enter Devin Lloyd-a complete linebacker in his prime, coming off a Pro Bowl season, and ready for a new chapter. If Cleveland wants to keep its defense among the league’s best, Lloyd should be at the top of their offseason wish list.