Analyst Proposes Linebacker Trade For The Browns

Sobleski’s suggestion for GM Andrew Berry involves a name bandied about quite a bit.

Mack Wilson‘s future with the Browns has been questioned by several analysts.

That’s what happens when a team uses an early draft pick and free-agent capital at your position.

Especially if your most recent performance was less than stellar.

Wilson struggled through his second NFL season, partly because of injuries.

But even during his more promising rookie year, Wilson struggled with some concepts, especially in space.

With Anthony Walker and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on the roster, Wilson needs an excellent training camp.

The Trade Proposed: Wilson to Detroit

Wilson entered the 2020 season touted as part of a potential anchor of the future Browns’ linebacker corps.

Jacob Phillips showed he has the speed to operate in Joe Woods’ defensive scheme.

Sione Takitaki became a force against the run, earning an upper echelon score from Pro Football Focus.

But Wilson struggled to a below-par performance across the board.

Malcolm Smith‘s pass defending ability led Berry to make him the only 2020 free agent re-signed for 2021.

Anthony Walker is tabbed to replace BJ Goodson in the middle, leaving Wilson to compete with Owusu Koramoah.

As Sobleski explained,

“The numbers don’t favor Wilson on a loaded Cleveland Browns roster. Wilson started 22 games over the past two seasons. But often out of position and doesn’t fare well when working in space.”

The writer’s solution: trade Wilson to the Detroit Lions.

Former Browns GM John Dorsey is now the senior personnel executive in Detroit.

He would like nothing better than for Wilson to bounce back as a Lion and justify his 2019 draft selection.

Why The Deal Makes Sense 

Wilson might not fit into Joe Woods’ system as well as the others competing for roster spots.

But injuries certainly played a role in his sub-standard play.

His rookie output warrants another look and maybe a better opportunity.

Sheer numbers present enough of a challenge that even a great August effort won’t guarantee Wilson a role.

If Detroit is willing to part with a mid-to-late-round draft pick, why not give Wilson a new life?

Cleveland gains something in the process as opposed to listing him among final cuts.

Wilson is well-liked in Cleveland among the fans and in the locker room.

Trading him will hurt that dynamic less than a flat-out release.

Tony Field’s injury leaves 5 players with an inside track on beating Wilson for a roster spot.

And with a full complement of defensive backs and a bigger defensive line rotation, 5 linebackers might be the limit.

Could a Wilson Trade Happen?  

Cleveland carried a sixth linebacker in 2020, but that included special teams contributor, Elijah Lee.

Lee was re-signed for 2021, presumably to help the Browns’ coverage teams again.

Wilson also sported a missed tackle rate of over 20% last season.

Berry already released or did not re-sign 8 of the 10 Browns players with the most missed tackles.

Walker and Owusu-Koramoah are virtual locks to make the team.

Cleveland would lose Phillips and Takitaki from the practice squad, unless they have highly visible fails in training camp.

That leaves the veteran Malcolm Smith as the player to beat for the fifth linebacker spot.

Smith will bring nothing in a trade, so if Berry decides to recoup anything for his final cut, Wilson is at risk.

This is why Wilson needs a stellar camp to avoid a cut or trade prior to the 2021 season.