Browns continue makeover
throw to first after field a ground ball during Lady Whippet softball practice.
CLEVELAND (AP) — Takk Mckinley showed up at the Browns’ headquarters in a suit to sign his new, one-year contract. It’s part of the defensive end’s image makeover.
Cleveland’s defense looks spiffier, too.
General manager Andrew Berry continued his offseason overhaul of the Browns’ defense on Friday by signing free agent linebacker Anthony Walker to a one-year, $3.5 million contract. Walker spent the past four seasons with Indianapolis, anchoring one of the NFL’S top defenses the past three.
He’s the Browns’ third big defensive addition this week, joining safety John Johnson III and cornerback Troy Hill — teammates the past four seasons with the Rams.
The 25-year-old Walker started 46 games at inside linebacker over the past three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. He visited the Browns’ headquarters on Thursday.
Walker, who had 92 tackles and an interception last season, will replace B,J. Goodson and assume signal-calling duties for coordinator Joe Woods.
A few hours after landing Walker, the Browns agreed to terms with veteran defensive tackle Malik Jackson on a one-year deal. The 31-yearold was released by Philadelphia this week to clear salary-cap cap space.
He’ll give the Browns experience and depth up front, joining a rotation that includes Sheldon Richardson, Andrew Billings and Jordan Elliott.
In the past few days, Berry has totally revamped a defense that needed major work and needed to catch up to Cleveland’s offense.