Cleveland Browns
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Browns urged to prusue Nakobe Dean.
The Cleveland Browns have several areas of need, and one is at linebacker.
Cleveland has Devin Bush as a pending free agent, and he had plenty of success last season with the Browns. With that, Bush could have several teams pursuing him, and if he signs elsewhere, Cleveland would have to replace him.
Ahead of free agency opening, Browns analyst Dylan Feltovich of BrownsWire urges the team to sign Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean.
“Depending on whether or not Berry signs Bush, another name to keep on this offseason is former Philadelphia Eagles’ linebacker Nakobe Dean,” Feltovich wrote. “The former 2022 third-round pick played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run during the 2024 season, finishing with 134 tackles, four pass deflections, and three sacks.
“Unfortunately for Dean, his role was limited last season due to injuries, as he played in 11 games for Philadelphia. But with his previous experience with Monken in college, Dean makes perfect sense for Cleveland in 2026.”
Dean is familiar with Monken, as he was at Georgia while Monken was on the staff, which could help the pursuit of Dean.
The 25-year-old was a third-round pick in 2021 and had an impactful role with the Eagles. In 2024, when the team won the Super Bowl, Dean recorded 128 tackles and 3 sacks.
Yet, his role diminished last seaosn and Dean is expected to walk in free agency. Pairing Dean with Carson Schwesinger would make the Browns’ linebacker unit a major strength of the team.
Browns Expecting a Similar Defense in 2026
Cleveland’s defense was a strength for the team last season. However, the team did lose defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who opted to leave the team after not getting the head coaching gig.
Despite losing Schwartz, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, Schwesinger said he expects the defense to be the same in 2026.
“One of the big things for us is we wanted to keep a lot of the scheme the same,” Schwesinger said. “So in terms of that, I don’t expect there to be a lot of changes. For me, I’m just ready to go in there and kind of just build off what we did last year. Really keep the defense rolling. Get in there ready to work and learn whatever I’ve got to learn now. And, keep doing what we were doing.”
Schwesinger recorded 156 tackles — sixth in the NFL — including 11 tackles for loss, 9 QB hits, 2.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions in his rookie season.
“It’s just to keep building,” he said. “I think each week from last year, I was trying to get better and I think each week I did. So, that’s really just the same mindset going into this next year and how I can get better each week from OTAs, to training camp and then once you get into the season every week. I think building on that will lead to success.”
With a year under his belt, the sky is the limit for Schwesinger.
Dean Likely to Leave Eagles
One of the top linebackers that should be available in free agency is Dean.
The Eagles are open to retaining Dean, but the linebacker plans to test the market.
“Nakobe Dean and his agency were told to ‘come back’ to the Eagles if the market isn’t as expected,” wrote NFL writer Thomas R. Petersen on X. “They want him back but he will test free agency.”
Dean recorded just 55 tackles last season in 10 games.