The Cleveland Browns continue to focus on adding depth to their defense. With the signings of Frostee Rucker, and Juqua Parker the Browns believe they have added quality, and depth to their defensive line. Now the Browns are interested in doing the same with their linebacker core as they are showing interest in former Bengal Manny Lawson. The website Scout.com is sighting league sources saying that the Browns, Raiders, and Colts are all interested in signing Lawson. This free agent signing (if made), will help the Browns in two different ways.
The first way is being that the Browns are questionable in depth at the linebacker position. Out of the 6 linebacker reserves that were to back up starters Chris Gocong, D’Qwell Jackson, and Scott Fujita, five of them were rookies. Lawson would add depth, and experience to a young linebacker corp.
Secondly there is a chance that a move such as this would be made in anticipation of possible suspension of Scott Fujita. Fujita was one of several players named in the New Orleans “Bounty” investigation according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen. With the NFL preparing to discipline individuals who were involved with the program ran by former DC Gregg Williams, the punishment could be steep. There is very real possibility that any players involved could be handed multi-game suspensions. A veteran signing at the linebacker position could be an insurance policy for the Browns.
Lawson is a 27-year-old former first round draft pick (22nd overall) of the San Francisco 49ers in 2006. He was selected during a season when the 49ers were switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Lawson played most of his college career (North Carolina State) at Defensive End but was athletic enough to make the transition to linebacker. In 2007 Lawson tore his ACL during practice in week three of the season. He spent the remainder of that year on the 49ers injured reserve list but did come back to play in 14 games in 2008. Lawson spent the 2011 season with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Michael W. Youngman
(Lead Analyst C.B.R.)
