Cleveland Browns: 5 free agents no one is talking about in 2020

4. Nick Kwiatkoski, LB

At the end of the 2019 season, there was no question that the linebacker position would be addressed. Cleveland could’ve taken the easy approach, re-signing Joe Schobert, keeping Christian Kirksey on the payroll, all the while continuing the development of Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki.

However, rather than addressing a position group with minor needs, the Browns front office blew a hole threw its linebacking corps by releasing Kiko, and announcing their decision not to retain Schobert.

That leaves Wilson as the elder statesmen of the group, and while the fifth-round pick had a solid rookie campaign, there’s still plenty of room for polish.

With a weak free-agent class awaiting the Browns, it’s a wonder as to what direction Paul DePodesta and Andrew Berry will go. If the organization doesn’t want to pay a homegrown talent such as Schobert $10 million per season, it’s hard to believe the front office is going to dole out $12 million a year for Cory Littleton, or $9 million per season for Blake Martinez.

So, enter Chicago Bears free agent inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski, a player OvertheCap.com projects to sign a two-contract that will pay him about $3.25 annually.

Kwiatkoski graded out as PFF’s 15th rated linebacker in 2019. When compared to Schobert, Kwiatoski was graded out as being far superior against the run, while also grading out a tick higher in pass coverage.

That said, he would have to make the adjustment from Chicago’s 3-4 system to the Browns’ 4-3 base scheme.

Based off the moves made by the DePodesta-Berry regime, it appears this front office does not value the position as much as it does other spots.

Kwiatoski has shown to be a tackling machine, when he plays, totaling 76 takedowns last season, while starting in eight games and appearing in 16.