Browns Linebacker Corps Reloads with Veteran Savvy, Promising Youth
The Cleveland Browns face 2025 with a linebacker corps that looks dramatically different from a year ago. The unit that once anchored its defense around Pro Bowl talent now operates with a new identity—one built on veteran leadership, calculated additions, and promising youth.
The Absence That Changes Everything
The Browns placed Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on the reserve/PUP list on May 12, 2025, due to a neck injury suffered in Week 8 of the 2024 season against Baltimore. The 25-year-old linebacker's season-ending absence forced Cleveland to fundamentally reconstruct their linebacker room.
The Steady Hand
Jordan Hicks enters his 11th NFL season as the unquestioned leader of Cleveland's linebacker group. The veteran middle linebacker posted career-best numbers in 2024, earning a 77.4 PFF overall grade that ranked 20th among all linebackers. His balanced skill set showed in his top-25 PFF grades in both run defense (77.7) and coverage (70.0).
As a Super Bowl LII champion with the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles, Hicks understands what it takes to anchor a championship-caliber defense. His role as the defensive signal-caller, often wearing the "green dot" helmet, makes him indispensable to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's system.
The Wild Card
Devin Bush's situation epitomizes the unpredictability surrounding Cleveland's linebacker room. After re-signing with the Browns following a solid 2024 campaign, Bush appeared positioned as the starting strongside linebacker. His 79.2 PFF overall grade ranked 16th among 189 qualifying linebackers, complemented by 50 total tackles, one sack, and 10 pressures.
However, Bush's arrest on May 4 in Pennsylvania on simple assault and harassment charges has complicated his status. The Browns continue "gathering more information" about the situation, creating uncertainty around a key defensive piece.
The Calculated Addition
Jerome Baker joined Cleveland during 2025 free agency to add veteran depth at weakside linebacker. The former Seahawks and Titans player recorded 61 combined tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble across 10 games in 2024. While his 61.0 PFF overall grade ranked 103rd among linebackers, his career coverage skills should translate well to Cleveland's defensive scheme.
The Future Arrives Early
Carson Schwesinger, selected 33rd overall from UCLA in the 2025 NFL Draft, represents the Browns' investment in the position's future. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has praised the rookie's rapid development, noting that "he picks things up really fast, and he's big and he's athletic." Scout evaluations suggest he "can start immediately at middle linebacker."
The Browns could be starting Schwesinger in Week 1 next to Jordan Hicks, representing a significant vote of confidence in the rookie's readiness.
The Supporting Cast
Mohamoud Diabate has shown significant development, with linebackers coach Jason Tarver highlighting his "progress by getting into even better shape as well as his ability to make plays at all three linebacker positions." Winston Reid and Nathaniel Watson provide additional depth, while edge rushers Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Julian Okwara offer pass-rushing versatility from linebacker alignments.
The Challenge Ahead
Cleveland's linebacker unit faces a clear mandate: create more turnovers. The group managed just one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2024, numbers that must improve for the defense to reach its potential.
The Browns' success in 2025 may ultimately depend on how quickly this revamped linebacker corps can gel. With Owusu-Koramoah's dynamic playmaking ability sidelined, others must step forward. The pieces are in place—veteran leadership, calculated additions, and promising youth—but translating that potential into consistent performance will determine whether Cleveland's defensive rebuild succeeds in a division featuring explosive offenses.
