With 2026 NFL free agency set to begin next week, the Cleveland Browns and general manager Andrew Berry will now consider adding multiple veterans to their roster this offseason.
The linebacker position has fans concerned due to the recent injury update on 2021 second-round pick Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Fortunately for Berry and the rest of the front office, 2025 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schweizer has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top linebackers while proving he can take over Owusu-Koramoah’s mantle.
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Here are some of the top linebacker free agents the Browns should consider targeting ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
December 28, 2025; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Devin Bush (30) reacts after the Pittsburgh Steelers missed a field goal in the third quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
After an impressive 2025 season in Cleveland, it was clear that veteran linebacker Devin Bush was on Berry’s radar entering this year’s free agency.
Bush was the fourth-highest-graded linebacker in the league last year, according to PFF. The 27-year-old playmaker totaled 120 tackles, eight pass deflections, seven tackles for loss and two sacks while playing alongside Schweizer last season.
If Berry succeeds in resigning as Bush this upcoming season, his strong performance last year points to another huge season in 2026. According to Spotrac, Bush is expected to receive a three-year, $26.6 million contract this offseason, making it a viable deal for the Browns.
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Nov 16, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) reacts during the second half against the Detroit Lions at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Another name retained this offseason, depending on whether Berry signs Bush, is former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nakobe Dean.
The former 2022 third-round pick played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in the 2024 season, finishing with 134 tackles, four pass deflections and three sacks. Unfortunately, Dean was sidelined by injury last season and played 11 games for Philadelphia. But with his previous experience with Monken in college, Dean joining Cleveland in 2026 makes perfect sense.
October 19, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) runs onto the field during player introductions before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Another name with Super Bowl pedigree on the free agent market this offseason is former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenauer.
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Similar to Dean, Chenauer is the Chiefs’ third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft while also playing a major role in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system the past four seasons. During his time in Kansas City, the former Wisconsin Badger racked up 218 tackles, seven sacks and three forced fumbles, proving himself to be an excellent defender both on defense and against the run.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns NFL free agency: Devin Bush, other LB targets next week
