With Mack Wilson uncertain to be available this season, the Browns are looking to free agency to help fill the void. Malcolm Smith was in Cleveland on Thursday for a workout, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.
The former Super Bowl MVP played in just four games last season but has 52 games’ worth of starting experience in a nine-year career. The Browns have gone from housing an experienced linebacking corps to one of the league’s youngest groups.
Cleveland went from carrying two high-end linebacker contracts — for Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey — to having no notable money devoted to this position entering this season. The Browns also let top tackler Joe Schobert walk in free agency. This leaves a host of young players, along with free agent addition B.J. Goodson, vying for roles. Wilson started 14 games last season and was expected to be a starter. While his season is not yet deemed over, Wilson will at least be out for a lengthy period after hyperexpending his knee.
Smith was a part-time player for the 49ers in 2018, starting five games and playing 31% of San Francisco’s defensive snaps. The 49ers cut Smith last year, and he ended up playing short-term roles with the Jaguars and Cowboys. Prior to an injury nullifying his 2017 season, he signed a lucrative deal with the 49ers. Smith was a full-time player with the Raiders from 2015-16, though he is still best known for his work in Super Bowl XLVIII and that year’s NFC championship game.
Nice perfect
This reeks of desperation unfortunately. Smith isn’t especially talented, and only gained recognition for his role in the Superbowl while with Seattle