Analyzing LB Kyzir White as a potential MIKE/WILL linebacker option for Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns are heading into the offseason with a few important goals, and one of them is to continue adding talent and depth to the linebacker room in 2025.
This year’s free agent class is full of quality options who could fit what the Browns are looking for at multiple spots in the second level of the defense, which is important because nobody knows what’s going to happen with Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
One of the most intriguing prospects for the team based on their run-stopping prowess and athleticism is Kyzir White, who’s been a key contributor for the Arizona Cardinals over the past two seasons. His ability to consistently stay disciplined in his run fits could make him a big target for Cleveland once the free agency period officially opens next month.
Name
Kyzir White
Position
Linebacker
Height/Weight
6’2”, 230 Lbs.
2024 Team
Arizona Cardinals
Stats
2024: 17 games – 137 tackles, 9 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 3 pass deflections, 1 FR
Career: 92 games: 615 tackles, 34 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 6 INT, 23 pass deflections, 2 FF, 1 FR
Overall PFF Grade: 48.8, Run D PFF Grade: 73.0 (Top 30%)
2024 Contract
Final year of a 2-year, $10M contract
Fit with Browns
White has quietly been one of the top run-stopping linebackers in the league over the past couple of seasons and he would bring an immense amount of production and leadership to Cleveland. He was a defensive captain for Arizona in 2024 and was the heart and soul of the Cardinals’ defense alongside Budda Baker.
He would give Jim Schwartz another athletic, disciplined linebacker to utilize at both MIKE and WILL linebacker.
Browns player signing could impact
Kyzir White would most likely impact somebody like Mohamoud Diabate in Cleveland. White is a natural WILL linebacker but has transitioned to MIKE while in Arizona, and has been incredibly productive there.
Diabate has been an adequate player for the Browns when on the field, but White would naturally make it harder for Diabate to see the field in the team’s base defense.
How the signing could impact the NFL Draft
It’s hard to say whether or not White would affect the team’s draft plans in 2025. The more important and plan-altering news might be surrounding Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s health heading into draft weekend.
As of right now, it’s plausible to say that Cleveland would likely still draft a linebacker at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft, it just depends on what round.
Priority
Medium.
Projected APY: $5,087,000
Who are some of your favorite free-agent linebackers besides Kyzir White? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.