The Cleveland Browns have done an admirable job patching up roster holes this offseason, but one glaring weakness remains hiding in plain sight—and it could derail their 2026 campaign if left unaddressed.

When new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg took over, all eyes were on the secondary. His scheme relies heavily on a top-tier safety and slot corner, and the Browns responded by signing cornerback Myles Bryant and safety Daniel Thomas in free agency, then drafting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in the second round. They might still add a veteran slot corner before roster cuts, but for now, the secondary looks solid.

Step back, though, and the linebacker position screams for attention.

It’s increasingly likely that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s playing days are over—a tough blow for the team and fans alike. Replacing his impact at WILL linebacker was always going to be a challenge, but the signing of Quincy Williams was a strong first step. Williams brings elite speed, violent instincts, and coverage chops that should help stem the bleeding.

Beyond Williams and the ever-reliable Carson Schwesinger, however, the depth chart gets thin fast. Winston Reid and Nathaniel Watson could see larger roles if they finally stay healthy, but both have injury histories that make them unreliable. The rest of the room is filled with special-teams specialists like Easton Mascarenas-Arnold and Edefuan Ulofoshio, plus rookie Justin Jefferson, a fifth-round pick from last week’s draft.

For a team with playoff aspirations, that’s a risky proposition. The Browns’ front office has done well to strengthen the secondary and other areas, but the linebacker corps remains a glaring hole—one that could be exploited by opposing offenses all season long.