​The Cleveland Browns enjoyed a notably productive season from their linebackers in 2025. Carson Schwesinger, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, led all rookies in tackles with 146, amassed 11 tackles for loss, and added two interceptions and two-and-a-half sacks, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Next to Schwesinger stood Devin Bush, who posted a career-best 124 tackles and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns. The lone absence was Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, whose career appears likely over after not playing since suffering a neck injury against the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Schwesinger is back and prepared to build on his rookie campaign, while Bush moved on to join the Chicago Bears after signing as a free agent. In his stead comes seven-year veteran Quincy Williams, a First Team All-Pro selection in 2023, who has seen his production wane over the past two seasons with the New York Jets. Schwesinger and Williams are projected as the primary players in new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg’s scheme, which relies on two linebackers. As for how the rest of the group shapes up, here’s a concise look as we count down to the start of training camp.
Best Case Scenario: Schwesinger emerges as the unquestioned star of the position group and a foundational piece for Cleveland’s defense. After a remarkable rookie season that earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and earned peer recognition as one of the top 100 players in the league, Schwesinger takes the next step to solidify himself as one of the game’s elite young linebackers. Williams, coming off a disappointing 2025 with the Jets—which is understandable given the franchise context—reunites with Rutenberg, who coached him with both the Jets and the Jacksonville Jaguars. The return to a familiar scheme and coaching influence could restore Williams to the form that made him an All-Pro in 2023. Within the rest of the group, Jefferson becomes a steady contributor on special teams while showing he can handle defensive snaps when called upon. Watson, Mascarenas-Arnold, and Reid deliver enough in training camp and the preseason to create tough decisions on cutdown day, indicating a deep, versatile unit.
Worst Case Scenario: Schwesinger experiences a regression now that he’s no longer drawing multiple blocks from an offense aligned against Myles Garrett, and Williams struggles to recapture his 2023 form even with Rutenberg at the helm. If Schwesinger and Williams fail to lead the position, the Browns may find themselves with the weakest link on defense, especially if the rest of the group cannot step up, and the linebacking corps becomes a liability rather than a strength.
Improved or Worse Than 2025’s Version: This should be a wash, with the potential for improvement. Schwesinger appears to be the real deal and could maintain, or even elevate, his rookie performance given continued development and expanded role. Williams, if he rediscovers his All-Pro form, would complement Schwesinger well, especially within a simplified scheme designed to maximize their strengths. The veterans around them—along with the young depth—could push the Browns to a more complete, balanced unit, perhaps even surpassing 2025’s production if everything clicks. In sum, the linebacking corps has a clear path to remaining a strength for Cleveland, provided Schwesinger continues to mature and Williams recaptures peak play.