Former Alabama LB excited to compete for playing time with Browns: 'I can’t wait to show them I’m better than them'

The Browns selected Jefferson in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 149 overall pick.

Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams are expected to start at linebacker for the Browns during the upcoming NFL season.

Schwesinger was named the defensive rookie of the year last season. Williams was signed by the Browns as a free agent after being a starting linebacker for the New York Jets. Jefferson was asked about competing with the duo for playing time at Cleveland’s rookie minicamp.

“I’m excited to meet those guys and really excited to compete,” Jefferson said with a playful laugh. “Like I said, I love to compete. I can’t wait to show them I’m better than them.”

Jefferson was the Crimson Tide’s second leading tackler during the 2025 season. He finished the year with 85 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble.