5 free-agent LB Cleveland Browns should sign to replace Mack Wilson

3. Jake Ryan

Hard to believe that Jake Ryan is still looking for a job. The Michigan product was a fourth-round pick of the Packers in 2015.

In 2016 and 2017, Ryan really put together two nice seasons, compiling 163 total tackles and 11 quarterbacked hits. His career was derailed by an ACL injury that cost him all of the 2018 season. He played just 35 snaps in two games with the Jags during the 2019 campaign.

Free agency started promising for the Westlake native, as he landed with the Ravens, but the marriage was short lived. Baltimore picked up some linebackers in the draft and Ryan was eventually released with a non-football injury designation.

If the Ravens thought enough of him to give him a deal, the Browns should be willing to do so, as well, if he’s healthy.

Now’s the time to take a look at him. There were no mini camps or OTAs, so it’s unclear what type of shape he’s in.

That said, there is no risk in signing Ryan to a cheap, prove-it type deal. If he can’t play, you release him and Cleveland’s stuck in the same spot as they were before.