The Cleveland Browns are re-signing inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. to a one-year contract. Walker visited the Washington Commanders earlier this week but ultimately decided to return to Cleveland.
Walker started the first three games for the Browns last season before suffering a season-ending quadriceps tear against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Without Walker, who also made the defensive calls for the Browns on the field, Cleveland’s run defense capitulated. The next week, the Browns gave up 202 yards rushing in a loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
Cleveland wound up starting five different players at inside linebacker over the course of the year, as Jacob Phillips, Sione Takitaki and Deion Jones all suffered season-ending injuries, as well.
The Browns finished with the second-worst run defense expected points added (-23.11) in the league and the 11th worst over the past decade.