Browns sign linebacker Goodson to deal

The Browns weren’t as active as they were earlier in the week, but they continued their free-agent spending by signing former Packers linebacker B.J. Goodson, who started nine games last season.

The Browns filled a hole at middle linebacker March 18 when they agreed to terms with free-agent B.J. Goodson, who started nine games with the Packers in 2019.

Tom Pelissero of NFL. com was first to report the news. The Browns are not announcing they acquired Goodson or any other signings until physicals are passed.

Goodson tentatively replaces Joe Schobert, who agreed to a five-year, $53.8 million deal with Jacksonville on March 17.

Walterfootball.com ranked Schobert second among free-agent inside linebackers before legal tampering began March 16. Goodson ranked 22nd.

Goodson, a fourthround draft pick by the Giants in 2016, played three seasons in New York before being traded to Green Bay last September. He made 37 tackles with the

Packers in 2019. His best season was 2018 with the Giants when he started 13 games and made 61 tackles.

The Browns have been busy this week. Goodson is the fifth addition to the roster and the first that plays defense.

Tight end Austin Hooper from the Falcons, right tackle Jack Conklin from the Titans and quarterback Case Keenum from the Redskins agreed to terms March 16 on multi-year contracts.

The Browns on March 17 traded a 2021 seventhround draft choice to Denver for Broncos fullback Andy Janovich.