We are currently in process of doing brief reviews of all of the free agents on the Cleveland Browns. Today, we take a look at a utility linebacker who didn't receive as much playing time last year.
LB Jason Trusnik
How and When He Joined the Browns: When Eric Mangini traded Braylon Edwards to the New York Jets in 2009, Jason Trusnik was one of the players who was sent to Cleveland. Trusnik had not played very much for Mangini when the two were together in New York, but Mangini must have seen enough to believe Trusnik would help shore up the team's run defense and ability to pass rush a little bit.
Productivity Level Last Season: Trusnik played in all 16 games last season, but his production went down from his first season in Cleveland. Trusnik had 24 tackles last season, with 8 of those coming on special teams. On special teams, that put him in a tie for fourth on the team. He also registered one sack. His production went down because he wasn't in the rotation in much. After starting 10 games in 2009, he only started 5 games in 2010. That was due to the addition of Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong, and committing to Matt Roth as a starter.
Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: Versatility. He might be a slightly underrated pass rusher, and I wonder if he would be effective at all as a defensive end. It seemed like he was a quick study of the Browns' defense when he first arrived on the scene in 2009, so I don't think he'd have a lot of difficulty understanding his role in the 4-3 defense.
What the Browns Should Do: I just don't know what to do with Trusnik. I've always seen him as an ideal player for depth. I don't feel like our defense was lost whenever he needed to make a spot start, and he was a good contributor on special teams. He was versatile in the 3-4 defense, but does he work in the 4-3 defense? Trusnik is probably better suited to find a team running the 3-4 defense next season; maybe he could even join Rob Ryan in Dallas. I'll pass on Trusnik, but it's not because I don't like him.
Now it's your turn -- vote in the poll below on whether or not the team should try to re-sign Jason Trusnik!