Last offseason, the Cleveland Browns front office made it a focal point to improve at linebacker.
They added talent through both the NFL Draft and free agency.
One of the biggest steals of the last offseason was the Browns signing Anthony Walker to a one-year deal.
He had multiple successful seasons in Indianapolis and was a leader on the field for the Colts.
That trend continued in Cleveland as Walker was a key contributor on defense.
Now, Walker is set to be a free agent, so the Browns could be forced to find a replacement for him.
Christian Kirksey
Not too long enough, linebacker Christian Kirksey was a member of the Browns.
In fact, he spent the first six years of his career with Cleveland.
After that, Kirksey joined the Green Bay Packers for the 2020 season.
Then, Kirksey signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans for the 2021 campaign.
The 29-year-old rebounded nicely with Houston and should have plenty of suitors in free agency.
Christian Kirksey defenses pass on Christian Kirk in Christian Kirk-off. pic.twitter.com/Q2sEI6LxNu
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) October 24, 2021
The Browns could be thinking about a possible reunion with Kirksey after his 2021 campaign.
In 13 games, Kirksey finished with 93 tackles, eight passes defended, and one interception with Houston.
His coverage skills appear to have improved and Kirksey remains a consistent tackler.
The Browns likely wouldn’t have to break the bank to sign Kirksey this offseason.
Possibly, the former third-round pick is willing to return to Cleveland on a cheap deal.
Harold Landry
Unlike Kirksey, the Browns are likely going to be forced to open up their checkbook for Harold Landry.
The former second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans put on a show in 2021.
The first three years of Landry’s career were successful, but he wasn’t exactly a highly regarded player.
Now, Landry has set himself up for a nice payday after putting together his first Pro Bowl campaign of his career.
In 17 games, Landry finished with 75 tackles, 12 sacks, and one fumble forced with the Titans last season.
He is someone that could be a dangerous option alongside Myles Garrett in Cleveland.
Both players were near the top in quarterback pressures at one point last season.
Most QB pressures so far this season
1) #Titans Harold Landry
2) #Chargers Joey Bosa
3) #Browns Myles Garrett pic.twitter.com/iQw674It44— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 5, 2021
The Browns are going to have plenty of competition for Landry this offseason.
However, Cleveland should have the cap space available to strike a deal with Landry.
He’d be a huge upgrade for this defense and possibly a pass-rushing replacement for Jadevevon Clowney.
Alex Anzalone
One sneaky addition this offseason could be linebacker Alex Anzalone.
The former third-round pick is set to become a free agent this offseason.
He spent the first four years of his career in New Orleans, but joined the Detroit Lions for the 2021 campaign.
Anzalone recorded a career-high 78 tackles, one sack, and seven passes defended in 14 games with Detroit.
It was his first time being a full-time starter and Anzalone proved he’s fully capable of doing it.
The 27-year-old could be an under-the-radar signing for the Browns this offseason.
Anzalone likely won’t demand a hefty salary and appears to be a reliable option at linebacker.
He’s someone they could put alongside their young linebackers and help them develop for a season or two.
This way, the Browns don’t have to commit significant money to someone and get a starting caliber player.
Possibly, Anzalone could be the 2022 version of Walker for the Browns roster.
NEXT: Browns Nation News And Notes (2/21/22)
