Dawgs By Nature - All PostsA Cleveland Browns bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48679/dawgsbynature-fave.png2024-03-18T12:33:03-04:00http://www.dawgsbynature.com/rss/current/2024-03-18T12:33:03-04:002024-03-18T12:33:03-04:00Comeback? Browns workout ‘low risk, high reward’ defensive lineman attempting return to NFL
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<p>Aaron Lynch has been out of the game since 2020</p> <p id="X3uvXC">The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> are a team, for good or bad, that has taken chances on players for a variety of reasons. GM Andrew Berry is always looking for ways to improve his roster as long as it makes sense.</p>
<p id="IOYSRA">It seems that he is taking a page out of his playbook, one that was used with DT <strong>Malik McDowell</strong>, in looking for another defender. McDowell was drafted in 2017 but, for a variety of reasons, didn’t play in the NFL <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2021/5/3/22418217/cleveland-browns-sign-defensive-tackle-malik-mcdowell-plus-5-udfas">until 2021 with the Browns</a>.</p>
<p id="JVH9c6">DL <strong>Aaron Lynch</strong> left the league after the 2020 season with seven years under his belt after being selected in the fifth round of the 2014 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>. According to a report, like McDowell, Lynch is seeking a comeback after three seasons away:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Comeback? Former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/49ers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#49ers</a> edge rusher Aaron Lynch, who last played for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a> before entering private business, had a positive workout for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> today, source said. A potential low-risk, high-reward addition to a roster. <a href="https://t.co/ZdiTfPwhMH">pic.twitter.com/ZdiTfPwhMH</a></p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1769752142158405764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a>
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<p id="PDyMJa">Noting Lynch as a “high reward” might be a stretch. The veteran has 21 sacks, 37 tackles for loss and 20 passes defended in his seven years in the league. His 66 QB hits are impressive but 35 of them, along with 12.5 sacks, came in his first two seasons in the league, 2014 and 15. </p>
<p id="92xJOS">Lynch reportedly walked away from the NFL for personal reasons in August of 2020 but then returned in October of that year, before walking away following the season.</p>
<p id="8LkMtB">Berry has spent the offseason mostly retaining players on the defensive line while <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/14/24100773/browns-rumors-quinton-jefferson-nfl-free-agency">adding <strong>Quinton Jefferson</strong> as well</a>. The 6’5”, 285-pound Lynch has played defensive end but can slide inside as well.</p>
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https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/18/24104924/comeback-browns-aaron-lynch-rumorsJared Mueller2024-03-18T09:00:00-04:002024-03-18T09:00:00-04:00Browns have nothing to fear but fear itself with Justin Fields in Pittsburgh
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<figcaption>Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Cleveland fans have an irrational fear of seeing Fields with the Steelers. But why?</p> <p id="I3DY3w">In 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt uttered one of the most famous phrases in recent American history during his inaugural address.</p>
<p id="hoQAnt"><a href="https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/froos1.asp">It was in the opening paragraph</a> that Roosevelt said “... let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”</p>
<p id="34a2Um">Roosevelt was referring to the dark thoughts residing in people’s minds that cause fear, as opposed to something tangible that is worthy of fear.</p>
<p id="jcBBR7">That phrase came front of mind on Saturday when the news broke of a trade that in most NFL cities would be nothing more than a throwaway line on the transaction wire as <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/16/24103454/justin-fields-traded-steelers-rumors-russell-wilson-bears-afc-north">the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired quarterback Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears</a> for a conditional sixth-round draft pick.</p>
<p id="7HwoOC">But because Fields played collegiately at <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, and it was the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> involved in the deal, a cold shiver was felt across the souls of far too many members of <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> Nation.</p>
<p id="IFGv8T">That raises the question of just what are Browns fans afraid of?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Did their QB room get a lot cheaper? Yes <br><br>Is it low risk? Yes <br><br>But lets not sit here and ignore that Russ & Fields have been the most sacked QBs since 2021. <br><br>The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> still have a elite defense, lets stop the hysteria. <a href="https://t.co/EClHQEh3RB">https://t.co/EClHQEh3RB</a> <a href="https://t.co/j6VZD3dyZe">pic.twitter.com/j6VZD3dyZe</a></p>— Mac (@tha_buffalo) <a href="https://twitter.com/tha_buffalo/status/1769391040631370222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="6vZNcy">If Fields was good, the Bears would never even consider trading him. Rather they would use the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming 2024 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> to either select another offensive weapon or trade the pick for a haul of additional draft picks to build around Fields.</p>
<p id="hXC3GK">While it is true that teams can fumble the evaluation process or give up on players too quickly, that is not the case with the Bears and Fields. Chicago and the rest of the NFL have seen Fields play three seasons and put up 40 games of data to evaluate, which is not an insignificant sample size, and the results are not pretty, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641755&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F5346790%2F2024%2F03%2F16%2Fjustin-fields-chicago-bears-era%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dawgsbynature.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24103937%2Fcleveland-browns-have-nothing-to-fear-justin-fields-pittsburgh-steelers" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">as <em>The Athletic</em>’s Adam Jahns highlights in his post-trade breakdown</a>.</p>
<p id="mRRkaT">Among quarterbacks who have played enough to be ranked Fields is:</p>
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<li id="IhElwv">23rd in quarterback rating</li>
<li id="M852rG">23rd in passing yards per game</li>
<li id="gWzX1I">23rd in interception rate</li>
<li id="dysm7n">22nd in passer rating</li>
<li id="A5eTyW">31st in sack rate</li>
<li id="trC7Pp">29th in completion percentage</li>
<li id="YiwOuU">26th in adjusted net yards per attempt</li>
<li id="oXJckt">The Bears won only 10 of the 38 games that Fields started over three seasons.</li>
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<p id="zeHOG0">This is a player that should keep Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz up at night?</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Only 2 quarterbacks have won fewer than 20 games and lost 25+ games since 2021:<br><br>Russell Wilson (17-27 W-L)<br>Justin Fields (10-28 W-L)</p>— Dante Koplowitz-Fleming (@DanteKopFlem) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanteKopFlem/status/1769504641648324654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="7OHZKI">The other boogeyman in the equation is the Steelers, who continue to be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to trades, with the belief that the Steelers somehow have a magical talent evaluation system that eludes the rest of the NFL.</p>
<p id="gS03Hd">That hasn’t been true for a long time, however, especially at the quarterback position as the Steelers spent the past two seasons with one of the worst quarterback rooms in the NFL with Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph.</p>
<p id="Atzhbg"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/15/24102261/cleveland-browns-pittsburgh-steelers-give-up-on-kenny-pickett">Pittsburgh bailed on Pickett after two seasons</a> by trading him to the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a> on Friday, and let Trubisky and Rudolph both leave in free agency. In their place are Russell Wilson - who the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a> are paying $37.8 million to not play for them this season - and Fields, who washed out of Chicago after three seasons. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">All 9 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> sacks on Justin Fields.<br>Best & Worst Week 3 is live on YT<a href="https://t.co/GuMG5iPyJt">https://t.co/GuMG5iPyJt</a> <a href="https://t.co/l77bjFCTnd">pic.twitter.com/l77bjFCTnd</a></p>— ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrandonPerna/status/1442616728878342144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2021</a>
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<p id="SJjpiu">It’s not just the quarterback position where the Steelers have whiffed as the team continues to miss on its first-round draft picks as the team has only selected one player since 2016 who has justified having their fifth-year option picked up.</p>
<p id="CU59za">That is a lot of misses high in the draft for a franchise that allegedly is so good at evaluating talent, no?</p>
<p id="wvmdTr">The Browns need to be concerned with what the Steelers are up to given that they share the AFC North Division. But <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/16/24103261/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-we-have-the-pieces-to-win-super-bowl">Cleveland is busy building a roster that should help the club make the playoffs again in 2024</a>, and nothing the Steelers did this weekend should derail that or give anyone in Orange and Brown reason to be nervous.</p>
<p id="6uGa6y">As for the fans who are dealing with anxiety over the idea of Fields in Pittsburgh, another well-known quote comes to mind, this one from Walt Kelly’s comic character, Pogo: </p>
<p id="VCi797">“We have met the enemy and he is us.”</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/18/24103937/cleveland-browns-have-nothing-to-fear-justin-fields-pittsburgh-steelersThomas Moore2024-03-18T07:00:00-04:002024-03-18T07:00:00-04:00Browns mock drafts: 3 versions to show the possibilities
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<img alt="NFL: APR 28 2023 Draft" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mnE5X7eIJbYR_WOgtahpQynTYPs=/0x0:6000x4000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73214864/1252441904.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>NFL free agency helps direct the Browns NFL draft</p> <p id="GMfvkM">With the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> roster <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/15/24101697/browns-53-man-roster-nfl-free-agency">starting to get filled up</a>, GM Andrew Berry might be done with his big moves this offseason. If something comes up closer to the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>, we may see one or two trades but there is no certainty that the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24103800/browns-starting-lineup-roster-deshaun-watson-53-man-free-agency">team’s starters see a change anytime soon</a>.</p>
<p id="a5wT1Y">That means the next time Berry has a chance to add someone meaningful to the Browns roster will come at the draft. Last year’s draft class was primarily selected with the future in mind. We still don’t know if WR <strong>Cedric Tillman </strong>or DT <strong>Siaki Ika</strong> will take bigger roles in 2024 but OT <strong>Dawand Jones</strong> stepped in well as a rookie for Cleveland.</p>
<p id="LHMC0a">As we have on most Mondays, it is time for our next Browns mock draft. This time, we bring you three different options using three different mock draft simulators.</p>
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<p id="KwOdgy">In the first one, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641755&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fdraft%2Fnfl-mock-draft-simulator%3Fref%3Dc263fa3f-a34c-4e07-937e-b201d86c07cc&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dawgsbynature.com%2F2024%2F3%2F18%2F24104251%2Fbrowns-mock-draft-nfl-free-agency-trade-rumors" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Pro Football Focus’</a> is used with the plan to just use the five selections currently available.</p>
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<p id="1J6PSh">Here, the Browns add a dynamic interior defensive lineman who can help as a rookie and step in, perhaps as a starter, by year two. A young running back and an athletic tight end give the offense more depth and future. You can never have too many offensive and defensive linemen so those round out the straight-up draft.</p>
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<p id="qenBbw">For the second mock draft, we used <a href="https://www.profootballnetwork.com/mockdraft">Pro Football Network’s simulator</a> with the plan to trade down. In order to do so, Cleveland gave up their second and seventh-round picks to acquire a third-rounder in 2024 and a second-rounder in 2025.</p>
<p id="umXN1j">With a roster stacked this season, getting a second-round pick next year (when the Browns also get their first-round pick back) could really help bolster the team’s future while still having two picks in the top 100 this year. The seventh-rounder has little chance to make the team so it was fine to give up.</p>
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<p id="elZnGo">Corum, Stover and Cohen are a group of solid additions for Cleveland’s offense while drafting any cornerback fits Berry’s history. Fans will be excited about two talented Big 10 talents with Corum helping Nick Chubb’s return and Stover giving the team a second young tight end.</p>
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<p id="yfKkTF">Finally, we used the <a href="https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/mock-draft-simulator">Mock Draft Database’s simulator</a> to trade up. Here, we saw an opportunity to add a unique receiving prospect. As you evaluate the idea, you might have moved up for a different player but the exercise is still the same.</p>
<p id="E7Whkv">In this deal, we traded our second and seventh-rounder (I really don’t like that pick) this year and third-round and fifth-round pick in ‘25 for #35 and #138 this year.</p>
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<p id="jkZHnz">At 6’2” and running a 4.34 40-yard dash, Mitchell is a perfect player to stretch the defense as a rookie and develop his route running alongside Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore and Jerry Jeudy. If both he and Tillman develop, Cleveland has a pair of big receivers for the next 10 years.</p>
<p id="BNMRcW">We still get Corum in the third round and add a couple of athletic linemen, and the Torrence is 6’3” and very physical.</p>
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<p id="KQZjR9"><em><strong>Which direction do you want the Browns to go: Stay, down or up in this year NFL draft?</strong></em></p>
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https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/18/24104251/browns-mock-draft-nfl-free-agency-trade-rumorsJared Mueller2024-03-18T05:30:00-04:002024-03-18T05:30:00-04:00Daily Dawg Chow 3/18: Browns add Snoop Huntley to QB room as first week of free agency concludes
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<figcaption>Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>More of the latest Browns news and notes from around the web in today’s dose of the Daily Dawg Chow.</p> <figure class="e-image">
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<p id="6GtXmA">The latest <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> coverage from <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Dawgs By Nature</a>:</p>
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<li id="CwutdR">
<a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24104145/browns-sign-tyler-huntley-pro-bowl-rumors-deshaun-watson-nfl-free-agency">Browns sign another QB: A QB that made a Pro Bowl while throwing just 2 TDs</a> (Jared Mueller) Tyler Huntley adds a fourth QB to the Browns QB room</li>
<li id="cYhyL3">
<a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24103897/cleveland-browns-free-agency-profile-quinton-jefferson-shelby-harris-maurice-hurst-jordan-elliott">Browns Free Agency Profile: DT Quinton Jefferson</a> (Matt Wilson) Cleveland adds Jefferson’s pass-rushing prowess to its already stout defensive line</li>
<li id="O5kLTr">
<a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24103800/browns-starting-lineup-roster-deshaun-watson-53-man-free-agency">Browns starting lineup after the first week of the 2024 offseason</a> (Jared Mueller) Lots can change between now and the regular season but the Browns roster seems to have starters mostly locked in</li>
<li id="aE02D9">
<a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24102528/nfl-free-agency-browns-linebacker-devin-bush-jr">Meet new Browns linebacker: Devin Bush, Jr.</a> (Barry Shuck) The linebacker room will look much different this year</li>
</ul>
<p id="MqpVgz">More <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> news:</p>
<ul>
<li id="ZOXagS">
<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/browns/news/browns-sign-former-baltimore-ravens-quarterback-tyler-huntley">Browns Sign Former Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Tyler Huntley</a> (Sports Illustrated) “On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns added another arm to their quarterback room by signing Tyler Huntley.”</li>
<li id="syyHZ2">
<a href="https://www.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2024/03/16/browns-sign-jameis-winston-jerry-jeudy-trade-nfl-free-agency-roster-moves/72954470007/">Jerry Jeudy, Jameis Winston lead newest crop of Cleveland Browns</a> (Akron Beacon Journal) “The Browns started the process of reshaping their roster a week ago. Here’s a look at the results from that work.”</li>
<li id="OCdWjV">
<a href="https://dawgpounddaily.com/posts/mike-vrabel-offers-more-browns-consultant-title-suggests-01hs4gm5wpnj">Mike Vrabel offers more to Browns than consultant title suggests</a> (Dawg Pound Daily) “This move was in the works for a while as reported by Ian Rapoport Vrabel met with Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry at the combine in Indianapolis weeks ago. Now while Mike Vrabel may have the title of “consultant” he has so much to offer this Browns team.”</li>
<li id="lNHrPV">
<a href="https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/amp/4_browns_players_who_could_still_be_due_for_a_contract_restructure/s1_16697_40123519">4 Browns Players Who Could Still Be Due For A Contract Restructure</a> (Yardbarker) “Three Browns players have already had their contracts restructured this offseason in an effort to create cap space for Andrew Berry’s offseason plans.”</li>
<li id="Cbs1US">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsMEOSwYkX8&list=RDCMUCxSQZf38voCR7s4EMsc4TDw&start_radio=1">Browns sign another “Pro Bowl” Backup QB and Steelers acquire Justin Fields</a> (Youtube) Quincy Carrier offers his take on the last AFC North Quarterback moves</li>
</ul>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/18/24104628/daily-dawg-chow-3-19-browns-add-snoop-huntley-to-qb-room-as-first-week-of-free-agency-concludes-oboEzweav2024-03-17T15:30:35-04:002024-03-17T15:30:35-04:00Browns sign another QB: A QB that made a Pro Bowl while throwing just 2 TDs
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<figcaption>Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tyler Huntley adds a fourth QB to the Browns QB room</p> <p id="3U4Hns">The story of almost every team every year is their quarterback situation. For the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>, veteran QB <strong>Joe Flacco</strong> led the team to the playoffs in 2023 off of his couch but, according to reports, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/12/24098526/joe-flacco-browns-reportedly-jameis-winston-nfl-free-agency"><strong>Jameis Winston</strong> is signing on to take that role in 2024</a>. Flacco <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/13/24100182/joe-flacco-colts-browns-rumors-jameis-winston-contract-nfl-free-agency">has joined</a> the Indianapolis Colts.</p>
<p id="uRFRTl">Winston’s deal with the Browns has not been made official.</p>
<p id="eQeDNS">Starting QB <strong>Deshaun Watson</strong> is coming off of a major shoulder surgery but is <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/16/24103261/cleveland-browns-deshaun-watson-we-have-the-pieces-to-win-super-bowl">excited about the roster GM Andrew Berry is putting together</a>.</p>
<p id="6x38eL">That roster now includes QB <strong>Tyler Huntley</strong> according to multiple reports on Sunday:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Browns?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Browns</a> have agreed to terms with former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ravens?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ravens</a> QB Tyler Huntley</p>— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryKayCabot/status/1769434006355865865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="DWGW99">With Watson’s shoulder rehab only starting any kind of throwing soon and offseason activities starting in Berea in April, adding another quarterback makes sense. With Winston not signing yet, Cleveland only has <strong>Dorian Thompson-Robinson </strong>and Huntley at the quarterback position.</p>
<p id="TMapIP">That Huntley is only signing a veteran’s minimum contract means he is competing for a roster spot at best and is a training camp arm at worst:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huntley signing a veteran minimum salary with Browns, who wanted to add depth to QB room.</p>— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/twithersAP/status/1769434525170364549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a>
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<p id="LITuLK">Huntley is most known for making the 2022 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> despite only throwing two touchdown passes in six games that season. <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2023/1/31/23579442/tyler-huntley-pro-bowl-ravens-nfl">How shocking was his placement in the Pro Bowl</a> (as an alternative)?</p>
<blockquote><p id="xeaBYZ">There is absolute no logical reason Huntley should be a Pro Bowl QB over other players in the race, outside of the fact that “Snoop” is one of the best nicknames in the NFL. When you’re statistically inferior to Davis Mills and making the Pro Bowl it’s a sign we need to dismantle this whole thing and rethink it all.</p></blockquote>
<p id="xezHHB">In four seasons with the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>, Huntley completed 65% of his passes for 1,957 yards to go along with eight TDs and seven INTs. He also ran for 509 yards and three touchdowns.</p>
<p id="oHmkUJ">We will continue to keep you up to date on all reported free agent moves and when those moves become official.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24104145/browns-sign-tyler-huntley-pro-bowl-rumors-deshaun-watson-nfl-free-agencyJared Mueller2024-03-17T15:10:51-04:002024-03-17T15:10:51-04:00Browns Free Agency Profile: DT Quinton Jefferson
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<img alt="Miami Dolphins v New York Jets" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G5EFnpdQHkOmSrT5RFTi2WHet1s=/0x0:2531x1687/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213519/1813293513.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Cleveland adds Jefferson’s pass-rushing prowess to its already stout defensive line</p> <p id="p0y0vf">The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> have <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/14/24100773/browns-rumors-quinton-jefferson-nfl-free-agency">reportedly agreed to terms with veteran defensive tackle <strong>Quinton Jefferson </strong></a>on a 1-year deal.</p>
<p id="3gbeWZ">Jefferson was drafted in the 5th round by the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> in the 2016 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>, and he’s been a consistent contributor for multiple teams since then. He’s known for his “scrappiness” and high motor as an interior pass rusher, and gives Cleveland another tool for Jim Schwartz to use and attempt to build on the team’s 2023 defensive success.</p>
<p id="JlO3B7">He solidifies a position group for the Browns that was once seen as a weak spot heading into the offseason with <strong>Jordan Elliott</strong>, <strong>Shelby Harris</strong>, and <strong>Maurice Hurst</strong> originally set to become free agents. Harris and Hurst both re-signed with the team this week, and <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/12/24098933/browns-free-agency-jordan-elliott-niners-rumors-nfl">Elliott signed with the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday</a>.</p>
<aside id="xzkd8J"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Cleveland Browns Offseason: New starting lineup after week one of NFL Free Agency","url":"https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24103800/browns-starting-lineup-roster-deshaun-watson-53-man-free-agency"}]}'></div></aside><p id="irbWL1">We will continue to profile Cleveland’s free-agent signings as we get deeper and deeper into the 2024 acquisition cycle.</p>
<h4 id="omsRnp"><strong>Name</strong></h4>
<p id="X9170I">Quinton Jefferson</p>
<h4 id="G60WVm"><strong>Position</strong></h4>
<p id="ZNqVHK">Defensive Tackle</p>
<h4 id="PvBydd"><strong>Height/Weight</strong></h4>
<p id="Rg9p2y">6’4”, 291 pounds</p>
<h4 id="aeetGD"><strong>2023 Team</strong></h4>
<p id="20URYs"><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a></p>
<p id="qZfM1W"><strong>2023: </strong>14 games, 14 starts - 34 tackles, 4 TFL, 6 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery</p>
<p id="GHbEO3"><strong>Career: </strong>103 games, 62 starts - 192 tackles, 28 TFL, 26.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, 9 pass deflections</p>
<h4 id="LuI3m4">
<strong>PFF Grade:</strong> <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641755&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pff.com%2Fnfl%2Fplayers%2Fquinton-jefferson%2F10781&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dawgsbynature.com%2F2024%2F3%2F17%2F24103897%2Fcleveland-browns-free-agency-profile-quinton-jefferson-shelby-harris-maurice-hurst-jordan-elliott" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">52.8</a>
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<h4 id="1opPtR"><strong>2023 Contract</strong></h4>
<p id="gcKsYM">Final year of New York deal, $2,060,000 cap hit</p>
<h4 id="XPOkWZ"><strong>Fit with Browns</strong></h4>
<p id="k0ubl2">The entire focus and goal of Cleveland’s defense is to generate a consistent pass rush, and adding Jefferson fits that ideology perfectly. He’ll be able to come in and contribute a good amount of snaps at 3-technique alongside <strong>Shelby Harris</strong> and <strong>Maurice Hurst</strong>.</p>
<h4 id="McTAZ0"><strong>Browns player signing could impact</strong></h4>
<p id="6yQtJK"><strong>Shelby Harris </strong>- Though Harris performed very well with his 42% snap share in 2023 and is most likely penciled in as one of the starters inside, Jefferson can definitely give him a “run for his money” during training camp. </p>
<p id="axzcqF">Jefferson has been a full-time starter in two of the past three seasons, and his ability to get after the passer could give him a leg up in Jim Schwartz’s 2024 defense. Harris has been experiencing a drop-off in the pass-rushing department over the past couple of seasons, so the team could look to Jefferson for a spark alongside Maurice Hurst.</p>
<h4 id="pgHkQG"><strong>How signing could impact the NFL Draft</strong></h4>
<p id="w4lmiM">Due to his age and contract length, there’s still a good chance that Cleveland will be in the market for a defensive tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft.</p>
<p id="7ewD20"><strong>Reported Deal: </strong>1-year, specifics not yet released</p>
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<p id="h7bewf"><em><strong>What are your thoughts on the Quinton Jefferson signing? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.</strong></em></p>
<p id="6PWn8S"></p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24103897/cleveland-browns-free-agency-profile-quinton-jefferson-shelby-harris-maurice-hurst-jordan-elliottMatt_Wilson2024-03-17T10:20:53-04:002024-03-17T10:20:53-04:00Browns starting lineup after the first week of the 2024 offseason
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<img alt="NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Dw9ZWItr44k2UNc8LevwKIeiFuw=/0x0:3573x2382/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213107/usa_today_22332394.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Lots can change between now and the regular season but the Browns roster seems to have starters mostly locked in</p> <p id="9WhGz2">NFL fans are well aware that so much will happen between now and the start of the NFL season almost six months away. The first week of the NFL offseason, with NFL free agency and trades taking center stage, may have drastically changed a few teams, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/16/24103454/justin-fields-traded-steelers-rumors-russell-wilson-bears-afc-north">like the Pittsburgh Steelers</a>, while others have mostly kept their roster stable.</p>
<p id="ylL3qy">The <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> fall more into the latter category by retaining a lot of last year’s roster, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/16/24103187/nfl-free-agency-browns-rumors-rodney-mcleod">like safety <strong>Rodney McLeod</strong> Saturday according to reports</a>.</p>
<p id="ZNE9jS"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/15/24101697/browns-53-man-roster-nfl-free-agency">The Browns 53-man roster is quite full</a> at this point but will see more changes, including the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>, before September rolls around. Whether it is injuries, trades, more free agency or what they do in the draft, Cleveland’s roster is far from certain.</p>
<p id="kuE2g5">The Browns starting lineup seems pretty locked in, barring injuries, however:</p>
<h2 id="O2yRVN"><strong>Offense</strong></h2>
<p id="AfM9Sl">QB: Deshaun Watson<br>RB: Jerome Ford (unless Nick Chubb’s rehab goes quicker than expected)<br>WR: Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore<br>TE: David Njoku<br>OL: Jedrick Wills, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin</p>
<p id="ImhXIj">The offense line is the biggest question with all three tackles, including <strong>Dawand Jones</strong>, coming off of surgery. The expectation here is that Conklin is the starter until he proves he is healthy and then can be potentially moved in a trade. The veteran has not only earned the right but has been one of the best right tackles in the NFL.</p>
<h2 id="0zrChH"><strong>Defense</strong></h2>
<p id="j5gywq">DL: Myles Garrett, Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Za’Darius Smith<br>LB: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Jordan Hicks<br>CB: Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., Greg Newsome II<br>Safety: Juan Thornhill, Grant Delpit</p>
<p id="tDcJkc">Again, one spot of contention right now: Who will be the fourth starter on the defensive line? On early downs, Harris or <strong>Siaki Ika</strong> provide the beef needed while <strong>Maurice Hurst </strong>and <strong>Quinton Jefferson</strong> are more pass rushers. As it was last year, when <strong>Jordan Elliott </strong>was the “starter,” expect a strong rotation of players on the interior.</p>
<h2 id="SsAqJV"><strong>Special Teams</strong></h2>
<p id="3cxPIS">K: Dustin Hopkins<br>P: Corey Bojorquez<br>LS: Charley Hughlett</p>
<p id="PfNRYe">With Bojo locked up for two years, no questions with this unit. It will be interesting if Cleveland is able to get an extension done with Hopkins who is in the final year of his contract and counting around $3 million against the salary cap.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="4ONNCT">
<p id="9DG8RV"><em><strong>Who would you start at right tackle and defensive tackle? Any other spot where you think we got the starter wrong?</strong></em></p>
<p id="cjnaWf"><strong>Join the comment section below to discuss with fellow Browns fans</strong></p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24103800/browns-starting-lineup-roster-deshaun-watson-53-man-free-agencyJared Mueller2024-03-17T09:11:56-04:002024-03-17T09:11:56-04:00Meet new Browns linebacker: Devin Bush, Jr.
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<img alt="Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FsGHe_Q-aG0oTW3dfJpRENpqBTc=/0x0:4960x3307/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73213046/1447045153.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p><em>The linebacker room will look much different this year</em></p> <p id="LkCdjV">DC Jim Schwartz values the linebacker position. He has specific actions for each whether he is playing a standard 4-3 or the occasional 4-2-5. And the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a> had some great talent manning the backer position last year. </p>
<p id="aTwdsp">After the season, the Browns had five linebackers on their free-agent list. Yikes. </p>
<p id="LeWeV5"><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/1/14/24038048/nfl-free-agency-browns-free-agents-zadarius-smith-joe-flacco-kareem-hunt"><strong>RELATED: BROWNS FREE AGENTS</strong></a></p>
<p id="TJy9li">Anthony Walker was the starting middle linebacker for the past three years. He was signed away from the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> and was signed three different seasons all on one-year contracts. Walker was also injured all three years with a hamstring injury, torn quad, and then last year a knee issue. </p>
<p id="J37D8j">It was thought the franchise would not bring him back because he misses too many games each year. In free agency, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/11/24097878/browns-starting-linebacker-finds-a-new-home-with-the-dolphins">that question was answered</a> when he inked a deal with the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>. </p>
<p id="sSbtGc">Sione Takitaki was another backer who had been retained annually on one-year deals. He was expected to be re-signed before the free agency period began, or at the very least early in free agency. He was signed on the first day, just not with Cleveland <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/11/24098067/browns-sione-takitaki-rumors-patriots-nfl-free-agency">as he took a deal </a>from the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> instead. </p>
<p id="KJraEX">That meant two of three starting linebackers were now employed elsewhere. Only Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is left on the roster. </p>
<p id="LuBHqj">Other LBs remaining under contract include Tony Fields, Mohamoud Diabate, and Charlie Thomas. Now what?</p>
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<img alt="Seattle Seahawks v Dallas Cowboys" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sZMSGKyrBGn1F8oVD85I6sSH83I=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338876/1968776360.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="LJVtoG">The remainder of the free-agent linebackers include Jacob Phillips and two special teams gurus Jordan Kunaszyk and Matthew Adams. Phillips is another player who is hurt every year and has played in only 20 games with just eight starts. This means all three are available to be re-signed, but what value does each have as far as the possibility of becoming a starting linebacker in this league?</p>
<p id="q5VGQM">Solution #1: GM Andrew Berry <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/14/24100071/browns-free-agency-jordan-hicks">signed MLB Jordan Hicks</a> from the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> to a two-year deal. </p>
<p id="thkPJy">Solution #2: Berry inked OLB Devin Bush <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/14/24101198/browns-rumors-devin-bush-steelers-nfl-free-agency-dad">to a one-year deal. </a></p>
<p id="xA7x3M">Bush (5’-11”, 234 pounds) is a former first-round draft pick. Cleveland is now his third team. Does he still have high-round abilities? What can he bring to the Browns? Is he starter material, or was he brought into the fold as solely a backup? </p>
<h2 id="EDHKbQ">Beginnings</h2>
<p id="15MnfU">Devin Bush is actually Devin Bush, Jr. His father Devin Bush, Sr. also played in the NFL as a cornerback or safety for eight years and was a member of the Browns during his final two years. </p>
<div id="5E04tp"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ywBuL32jvR0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ttIZD2">To get to know Devin Bush, Jr., you have to get to know his father. He won a <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> ring while playing with the St. Louis Rams and the “Greatest Show on Turf.” He also was part of a National Champion while playing for <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>. He retired from the NFL in 2002 after spending his final two years with Cleveland. Three years later, he began coaching little league football - and his son. </p>
<p id="UOOvA9">Junior was just six years old when he was signed up for flag football. His coach asked Senior to help out, and the following season, he said yes. As Junior got older, Senior continued to be his coach including being on the staff at Charles Flanagan High School just north of Miami in Pembroke Pines, Florida.</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/88hTsPf4ebocFXgb5eh7D7FueS0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338875/high_school.jpg">
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<p id="FWup0z">After one year as defensive coordinator, Senior became the head coach at Flanagan in Junior’s sophomore season. In Junior’s senior season, Flanagan went 12-2-0 and then won the Florida Class-8A football state championship. </p>
<p id="EVYJ2c">Junior was rated a four-star recruit playing both defensive end and linebacker during his high school career. You name a high-profile program, and Junior received an offer from them. </p>
<p id="7amuTT">Ready? In alphabetical order: Akron, Alabama, Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, Marshall, Massachusetts, Miami, Michigan, Northern Illinois, <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a>, Pittsburgh, <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a>, South Carolina, South Florida, Temple, Texas, Troy, UAB, UCF, UCLA, and West Virginia. </p>
<p id="i3Ztss">In 2019, Flanagan High School retired Junior’s #11 jersey. </p>
<p id="IKqLXW"><a href="https://wsvn.com/sports/flanagan-high-school-retires-steelers-linebacker-devin-bushs-jersey/"><strong>RELATED: FLANAGAN HIGH SCHOOL RETIRES DEVIN BUSH, JR. JERSEY</strong></a></p>
<p id="bICXlH">Senior played for Florida State and won a national championship. A lot was written about the father’s alma mater having the inside track for Junior’s services. Oddly enough, despite having five official visits available, Junior only visited Auburn and Michigan and chose the latter. </p>
<p id="w906X5">When Junior committed to Michigan, Senior was hired to join the Wolverines’ coaching staff as a defensive analyst to fill an open position where he was allowed to communicate over the phone or via social media with recruits, break down film, and analyze and provide input to the defense. The two became a perfect marriage with Michigan. </p>
<p id="BSRmKc">Senior had a goal of becoming a defensive coordinator at a major college one day. Junior’s goals included playing in the NFL like his father.</p>
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 17 Indiana at Michigan" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q-Cdl3A9ZPzp_H_qJIdjIYoVn_Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338878/1063916372.jpg">
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<p id="nIft1O">As a freshman, Junior played in seven games with minimal stats and lots of special teams snaps. The following season, he became the starter at middle linebacker. As the season rolled along, The <em>Detroit Free Press</em> coined Junior “a one-man wrecking crew.” He had 95 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, one interception, seven pass defenses, 10 tackles for loss, and 13 starts. </p>
<p id="sTu71H">He was named First Team All-Big 10 and Second Team All-American. </p>
<p id="NWqbuF">As a junior athlete, Junior did not have the numbers he did before, but was still very productive and was seen as a menace to opposing offenses. He ended the year with 66 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss, and four pass defenses, with 12 starts. </p>
<p id="WfBSr2">Junior was named First Team All-Big 10, Consensus All-American, named the Big-10 Linebacker of the Year, and was elected the Big-10 Defensive Player of the Year. </p>
<p id="vUlgYf">With nothing else to prove, Junior decided to forego his final season at Michigan and enter the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL draft</a>. </p>
<p id="mU2h3y">Today, Senior is the Director of Football Recruiting at <a href="https://www.redcuprebellion.com">Ole Miss</a>. </p>
<h2 id="1YufCL">In his father’s footsteps</h2>
<p id="lMTP6Q">Senior was a first-round draft of the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a> at pick #26. Junior became the 10<sup>th</sup> overall pick of the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a> in the 2019 NFL draft. The Steelers had the 20<sup>th</sup> pick and traded up 10 spots in order to grab him. They envisioned a dynamic playmaker at inside linebacker for years to come. </p>
<p id="vX75mv">He had followed along his father’s trail right into the NFL. He helped that he ran a 4.43 in the 40.</p>
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<img alt="New York Jets v Pittsburgh Steelers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LhCub69GArGRCwro9UVtMH2Lc5c=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338881/1429711721.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="TKwP4l">Junior signed a four-year $18.871 million deal including a $11,744,920 signing bonus, $18,871,765 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $4,717,941.</p>
<p id="pEHrmJ">As a defensive-minded team, the Steelers put him to work right away as he played in the first two games but was inserted as the starter at outside linebacker in Week 3 in which he had 11 tackles plus recovered a fumble. He had nine tackles the next game and seven in his third game along with an interception. And off he went. </p>
<p id="KOLGmC">At season’s end, Junior had 109 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, one sack, four batted passes, and four fumble recoveries with one being a defensive touchdown, one forced fumble, and two QB hits. He was named to the PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team. </p>
<p id="XNON6A">In his second season, after playing the first five games, Junior tore his ACL in the second quarter in Week 6 at home in the 38-7 win over the Browns.</p>
<p id="diUF6Z">He injured his knee when he chased Cleveland RB D’Ernest Johnson across the field and dove to make the tackle but missed his target. As he landed, he moved awkwardly on his left knee, grabbing it as he fell and rolled out of bounds.</p>
<p id="gbKSlY">Junior then needed help getting off the sideline as he walked off delicately with his arms around Pittsburgh head athletic trainer John Norwig. After a short look in the sideline tent, he was taken to the training room and ruled out of the game. </p>
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<img alt="NFL: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4AR-0Pg6sevKQyOFGAdTKJYhYEI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338918/usa_today_15085298.jpg">
<cite>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="uP9WT4">His injury proved to be a problem for the Steelers as they lacked depth at linebacker, plus Junior had played 74% of defensive snaps. </p>
<p id="H2lQ9V">The knee injury ultimately changed his athletic career as it derailed all the progress he had made as a professional. </p>
<p id="CaUgjZ">Junior told <em>BehindTheSteelCurtain.com</em> regarding his knee injury: </p>
<blockquote><p id="yuvJiq">“I think my first year and my second year were definitely two good years. My third year (this season) was a year I’ve never experienced before, especially coming back from an injury like that. It was my first time going through an injury like that, first time getting surgery, first time doing rehab and first time being away from the game for a full year. So, it definitely was a learning experience for me.”</p></blockquote>
<p id="TDDS9f">For the next three seasons, <em>Pro Football Focus</em> repeatedly graded Junior as the worst defender on the Steelers on more than one occasion. Pittsburgh fans wanted to know what his issue was. Was the knee not completely healed? Were there now limitations to his athletic ability? Was it now a mental issue? What needed to be changed with his play?</p>
<p id="ZalXcB">The years after his knee injury weren’t bad, just not at the elite level Steelers fans were expecting with some reduced speed. He had 70 and 81 total tackles in 2021 and 2022, respectively. </p>
<p id="szE306">Early in the season after returning to the field after healing from his injured knee, it seemed to be a learning process for him and if nothing else to get his mind back in football mode. Towards the middle of the season, he was going through some more mental issues of just being out there and knowing the team relied upon him to make plays.</p>
<p id="H30pWI">Eventually, the Steelers gave up on his potential. They declined the fifth-year option on his contract which would make him a free agent after the 2022 season in which he had 14 starts.</p>
<div class="c-float-left"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Los Angeles Chargers Play Pittsburgh Steelers at SoFi Stadium" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GWioij8XwwQWO39iW7D5LCExNuM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25338884/1236757251.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Terry Pierson/The Press-Enterprise via Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="5d24KO">Junior became available in the free agency period. He had several suitors, one of which was the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> which had some concerns with their linebacker position. He signed with the Seahawks on a one-year deal for $3.5 million including a $1.25 million signing bonus, and $2.99 million guaranteed. He also had a $30,000 per game active bonus.</p>
<p id="QxLDXG">Seattle played a 3-4 which meant Junior had two opportunities to start. However, All-World Bobby Wagner manned one spot and Jordyn Brooks secured the other. Brooks was known as being one of the league’s top tacklers every season. Junior was only able to start three games but played in 13 as he was a healthy scratch in four games. He had just 250 defensive snaps which was 21.03% of plays. This in itself means backup. His greatest contribution was on 29.87% of special teams. </p>
<p id="m4ohvH">Junior did not get the chance to kickstart his career as he had hoped with the Seahawks. The once-promising linebacker had been good against the run and had success in coverage against tight ends. And basically, he was signed as insurance because Brooks had a knee injury of his own that he was coming back from. He had a 5.7% missed tackle rate. </p>
<p id="TJ7Mrd">Going into 2024, the linebacker corps should be Jordan Hicks in the middle with JOK and Tony Fields on the outside. Junior will be relied upon as a capable backup along with Thomas and Diabate.</p>
https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2024/3/17/24102528/nfl-free-agency-browns-linebacker-devin-bush-jrBarry Shuck