Browns should only resign veteran defender if all is in their favor

The Cleveland Browns’ defense in 2023 was stellar despite a few injuries throughout.

Anthony Walker Jr. was one of the guys that went down and now he’s set to be a free agent. Whether or not he will return to Cleveland for a fourth season.

It was the second season in a row that Walker had his season cut short in 2023. He played three games in 2022 and 12 this past season.

His first deal with the Browns was for two years, then Walker played on a one-year deal in 2023. During the 12 games, Walker made 44 tackles and one forced fumble. His play took a slight step back and the Browns did not lose a step when Sione Takitaki took over after his knee injury.

What will it cost for the Browns to resign Anthony Walker Jr.?

According to our cap experts at A to Z Sports, Walker is looking at the deal below in 2024.

• Projected Contract: 1 Year, $3.25M, $3.25M APY, $1M GTD
• Year One Cap Hit:

“Once he clears a physical for his arthroscopic knee surgery, his leadership and play will inspire a team, perhaps the Browns again, to award another one-year deal with a little extra meat on the bone after showing his quadricep tear is behind him.” - A to Z Sports.

Will the Browns resign Walker?

My gut is that they will not do so. Takitaki is set to be a free agent and the Browns would be better off bringing back the younger player who has simply been better as of late.

The injuries over the past couple of seasons that have caused him to miss significant time are important here. While Walker is a leader and sound player, the injuries are just too much to overcome at this point. Sure, it is only a one-year deal but he hasn’t shown he can stay healthy for a full season in multiple years.

Adding linebackers through the draft and veterans in free agency seems more realistic. More importantly for the Browns, they have their top linebacker in LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Just surround the guy with players that you can count on. The only way I see the Browns bringing Walker back is if it is a minimum deal and he isn’t guaranteed a starting spot.