Cleveland Browns Free Agent Review: LB Kaluka Maiava

In today's piece about free agents on the Cleveland Browns, we look at the team's lone free agent linebacker, Kaluka Maiava.

LB Kaluka Maiava

Linebacker Kaluka Maiava stares at a football. Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

How and When He Joined the Browns: Maiava was a fourth-round pick by the Browns in 2009 and played under Rob Ryan in the 3-4 defense. His four-year rookie contract is now set to expire.

Productivity Level Last Season: Statistically, Maiava posted career highs across almost the entire board. He started 13 games (it was basically 16, but sometimes Cleveland heavily ran the nickel package), logging 53 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles. It was not a standout season for Maiava, but you could also say that his production flew under-the-radar a little bit.

Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: If you're looking for versatility, Maiava has a little bit of that. He was drafted by the Browns to be a 3-4 inside linebacker. He has played two years in that role, and also has two years of experience as a 4-3 outside linebacker. If he were retained, Maiava would move back to the inside in 3-4 sets to play alongside D'Qwell Jackson.

What the Browns Should Do: Meh. That pretty much sums up how I have felt about Maiava during his four-year career with the Browns. If he gets brought back, he shouldn't command too big of a contract, which I guess it a plus.

As it stands right now, the inside linebackers in the 3-4 look can be filled by D'Qwell Jackson, Chris Gocong, James-Michael Johnson, Craig Robertson, L.J. Fort, and Tank Carder. With all of those names in there, I don't see how Maiava was enough of a standout to be re-signed. It seems to make more sense for the Browns to either find a more impact free agent (who can play behind DQ), or see if any undrafted free agents shine in training camp. Aloha, Maiava.

Now it's your turn -- vote in the poll below on whether or not the team should re-sign Kaluka Maiava!