The Cleveland Browns addressed the linebacker position late in the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama’s Justin Jefferson 149th overall in the fifth round. After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Pearl River Community College, Jefferson transferred to the Crimson Tide in 2023 as the second-rated JUCO recruit. He enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign in his first year as the full-time starter, totaling career-highs of 85 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception, five pass breakups, and one forced fumble across 15 games.
Jefferson will compete with Winston Reid, Nathaniel Watson, and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold for the No. 3 linebacker role alongside Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams, with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah out for the second straight season.
Cleveland Browns sign late-round pick to 4-year rookie contract
Alabama Crimson Tide, Justin Jefferson
March 25, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Linebacker Justin Jefferson does a drill during Pro Day in the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility at the University of Alabama.
The Browns signed Justin Jefferson to a four-year rookie contract on Friday. Spotrac projects the linebacker’s contract to be worth $4.766 million, with cap hits of $1.015 million in 2026, $1.135 million in 2027, $1.250 million in 2028, and $1.365 million in 2029. In addition, Jefferson could earn more in Year 4 if he averages over 35% of snaps through the first three seasons or makes the Pro Bowl on the original ballot.
The late-round pick could be a steal of the draft
Alabama Crimson Tide, Justin Jefferson
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In a Sports Illustrated article, Justin Melo identified 11 Day 3 picks teams may have struck gold with. For Cleveland, he named Justin Jefferson, highlighting his breakout 2025 campaign and how he deserved more recognition during the pre-draft process. Although Jefferson may be undersized for a three-down role, Melo noted how his quickness and instincts allowed him to play at a high level in college.
“Alabama linebacker Justin Jefferson deserved more recognition than he received during the pre-draft process. The third-year Crimson Tide defender notched 79 tackles, five pass breakups, and three sacks in 2025. Jefferson may be slightly undersized for a traditional three-down role, but quickness and instincts allowed him to slip blocks at the collegiate level. If nothing else, his change of direction and overall athleticism could get him on the field in nickel and dime packages,” Melo said.