Cleveland Browns could be a sneaky fit for a star defender who just hit the NFL free agent market

The Browns could make a strong addition for their defense in free agency if they go this route.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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The Cleveland Browns have to make the majority of their offseason changes on the offensive side of the football, that’s known. But the defensive side of the football won’t be immune to change, with one key starter set to be a free agent. 

Linebacker Devin Bush was a key part of the Cleveland defense last year and his stepped-up level of play was impressive. Bush could be brought back by the Browns potentially after reviving his career in Cleveland. Or the Browns could go in a different direction to add a player next to LB Carson Schwesinger. 

Tremaine Edmunds could be a free agency fit for the Browns   

The Chicago Bears opted to move on from two-time Pro Bowl LB Tremaine Edmunds on Thursday evening with a year left on his deal to save cap space. With Edmunds a free agent, he’ll be free to sign with anyone. Edmunds started 13 games for the Bears in 2025 and made 112 tackles, one sack, and four interceptions.

Heading into year No. 9 one would think Edmunds is looking for one last solid contract with a contender preferably. With the Browns not likely to get Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah back on the field and Bush being a free agent, the Browns could afford to make Edmunds a strong offer. 

Edmunds is a MIKE but could easily play the SAM at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds. The 2018 first-round pick has recorded at least 100 tackles in each of his first eight seasons. Edmunds spent the first five years of his career with the Buffalo Bills and has been with the Chicago Bears for the last two years. 

Cleveland has gotten strong linebacker play from just about anyone they put on the field under Jason Tarver, which may leave the Browns hesitant to spend money on the room. But if JOK and Busy are both out of the picture, Cleveland could stand to offer Edmunds a strong two to three-year deal. 

Schwesinger, Dom Jones, and Winston Reid are the three linebackers under contract for Cleveland in 2026. Mohamoud Diabate is a restricted free agent this offseason for Cleveland. 

While the Browns won’t be a team mentioned much with Edmunds initially, if Bush walks Cleveland should be throwing their hat in the ring for the former Bear. 

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