The Cleveland Browns have some very important decisions to make with free agency approaching very soon.
There has been much speculation and reports surrounding the future of a few veteran Browns linebackers.
Joe Schobert is expected to leave in free agency as it appears the Browns are unwilling to match the contract that he is seeking.
There is also speculation that Christian Kirksey will also be released after making a cryptic social media post.
With the most likely departure of a few long-time Browns linebacker veterans, 2nd-year linebacker Mack Wilson seems up to the challenge to fill their shoes.
“Never ran from no challenge,” Wilson wrote. “Just put it in front of me and watch what i do!”
Never ran from no Challenge.. Just put it in front of me and watch what i do!
— Mack Wilson (@5mackwilson1) March 7, 2020
I have faith in you, Mack!! Can’t wait to watch you!!
— Ohiodawgee 🏈🧡🐕🧡🏈 (@ohiodawgee) March 7, 2020
Pro bowl next year !
— Ju (@_BigHomieJu_) March 7, 2020
Let’s go Mack 🐶✔️
— Ken Adams 🐶 (@terrellfant) March 7, 2020
Wilson and Schobert had a strong relationship during the year.
Following the reports that the Browns would most likely be letting Joe Schobert test free agency, Wilson posted a shoutout to him on social media.
Until we meet again. 😢 #BashBro’s4Ever 💥 pic.twitter.com/6u4CjVyyMp
— Mack Wilson (@5mackwilson1) March 1, 2020
The Browns are expected to invest heavily in the offensive line this offseason.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are not willing to invest the kind of money that Schobert is seeking.
In the event that both Schobert and Kirksey are gone from the team, Wilson would become a key part of the Browns linebackers corp.
In relief of an injured Kirksey last year, Wilson had 82 tackles.
Wilson had some great moments last year, but still has a lot of room for improvement.
Sione Takitaki, a 3rd round pick in 2019, would also be counted on to take on a bigger role next season.
New defensive coordinator Joe Woods is expected to run a 4-3 scheme next season, so the linebacker position will be crucial.
“I think you want to make sure that you’re putting the guys that you have in the right position to make plays,” Woods said. “I know the personnel here is tailored toward a 4-3 scheme, which I’m very comfortable with. We’ll stay with the 4-3 system here and focus on putting the guys in the right positions to make plays.”
“When you have pieces in place and with the additions we’ll make in free agency and the draft, I feel like we can really get something accomplished here this next season.”
The Browns finished ranked 22nd in team defense and 22nd in points allowed in 2019.
Steve Wilks was fired along with head coach Freddie Kitchens after one season.
I don’t expect Wilson to light up the stat sheets like Schobert, but I can see him being a solid replacement that still has tremendous upside.
Takitaki is a wild card still, but when he did get in on D the last few games… he popped a few times.
Willie Harvey came out of nowhere in camp 2019 to secure a spot on the 53 as a UDFA. I watched a couple of Iowa St. games in 2018 and he popped off the screen there. He is a true Mike as far as I can tell.
Tae Davis was an ST demon and got in on D later in 2019 on a limited basis and didn’t embarrass himself either.
I think we have 4 solid- but inexperienced- options to move forward with. All we need is that veteran presence to help them along.
Kirko could be that guy and although he is a prime cap casualty, I find it funny the Browns have not already done so. Is there something in the works to keep him in the fold like a restructure? He looked very good in camp and the first 2 games of 2019.
I can’t see the Browns willing to let Scho walk and cut Kirko.
Can the Browns trade up and get tOSU D-end Mr.. Chase Young?????? Wow, what a D line twosome that we would have. Bookend pass rushers. Offenses would not know who to block. That and the Oline needs, we’re ready to rip! Who let the dawgs out!
Wishful thinking.