The Jacksonville Jaguars are no strangers to making deals with the Cleveland Browns. They just worked out a deal in the NFL Draft to move up to select two-way star Travis Hunter second overall. After a recent injury, these two teams could once again be business partners.
The Browns announced that they're placing linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on the Physically Unable to Perform list. This doesn't come as a surprise when you take into account that the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish suffered a serious neck injury last year. However, Cleveland surely held hope that he was going to show progress. Unfortunately, it wasn't the case, and his 2025 season is effectively over before it began.
A sign that the Browns braced themselves for the worst was that they selected linebacker Carson Schwesinger 33rd overall in this past draft. On top of that, they signed Jerome Backer and brought back Devin Bush in the offseason.
Based on their latest moves, it looks like Cleveland isn't hurting for linebacker help. That said, they could give the Jaguars a call if they come out of training camp unimpressed with their current group.
Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd could help the Browns fill the void left by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Although linebacker wasn't a need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, they couldn't pass up the chance to select Jack Kiser in Round 5. The pick has mostly gotten rave reviews, and it's easy to see why. Despite the fact that the Royal Center, Indiana native lacks top speed, he excels at stopping the run and bringing the heat. While he's got a long way to go, nobody would bat an eye if he ends up getting significant playing time in 2025.
It's hard to tell how the linebacker depth chart will look, but Foyesade Oluokun is virtually a lock to be at the top. Ventrell Miller should be in the front seat to seize the starting spot next to him. That would leave Kiser, Devin Lloyd, and Chad Muma competing for the primary backup role. All things considered, that's a well-rounded group. The surplus at the position could allow the Jags to put one of them on the trade block.
Of the bunch, Lloyd could be the one who garners the most interest. A first-round pick in the 2021 draft, he experienced the growing pains that come with being a rookie but has built consistency the past two years. On the other hand, the former Utah Ute struggles in coverage and hasn't made enough game-changing plays. Not surprisingly, the Jags opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, and he's now slated to become a free agent next year.
If Lloyd isn't part of the Jags' long-term plans, they could flip him for a fifth-round pick. That's not much, but it would be better than letting him walk in 2026 and get nothing in return. Of course, there's a chance they want to keep him around with the hope that the clean slate he'll get under the new regime will lead to a breakout season.
Of course, Lloyd wouldn't be the only Jaguars linebacker who could be on demand. Muma could be of interest to teams who aren't in need of a starter but need depth at the position. Depending on how things play out, perhaps the Cleveland Browns would be a potential destination for either one.
The truth is that it's never pleasant to see a player go down, but Cleveland is making he arrangements to withstand Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah's injury. And if they need further reinforcements, the Jaguras should be the first team they get in touch with.
