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The Browns could draft Pittsburgh linebacker Kyle Louis now that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s NFL future is up in the air
The Cleveland Browns have had a lot happen over the first few weeks of the offseason. After surprisingly deciding to fire head coach Kevin Stefanski, former Baltimore Ravens‘ offensive coordinator Todd Monken was brought in to be his replacement. Monken has quickly built out his coaching staff, and it’s safe to say that the Browns will have a different look to them when they return to action in 2026.
Now, the team will begin turning its attention to its roster, where some more big decisions loom. While the quarterback position obviously needs a lot of attention, another area that could feature several moves being made is the linebacker position. In the wake of a report indicating that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah‘s NFL future is up in the air due to a severe neck injury, Cleveland has been urged to select his replacement in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Browns Pushed to Select Pittsburgh Linebacker Kyle Louis in 2026 NFL Draft
A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Owusu-Koramoah quickly became a key piece of the team’s defense. In 2023, he earned a Pro Bowl selection after tacking up 101 tackles (20 of which went for a loss), 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, six pass deflections, and one forced fumble. That production earned Owusu-Koramoah a three-year, $39 million contract extension ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Things haven’t gone well for Owusu-Koramoah since signing that deal, though, as he suffered a serious neck injury midway through the season that has prevented him from partaking in any football activities for the past year and a half. As a result, reports have emerged indicating that it is “doubtful” Owusu-Koramoah will ever return to the NFL.
Should that be the case, Cleveland is going to need a replacement for him. While Devin Bush emerged as a star for the Browns in 2025, he could be set to depart in free agency. Should that happen, Matthew Wilson of Dawgs By Nature urged the team to select Pittsburgh Panthers linebacker in the upcoming 2026 draft.
“Louis has all the tools necessary to be a playmaking WILL at the NFL level, despite having a slight frame,” Wilson wrote. “Today’s WILL linebackers need to have enough athleticism to be effective in coverage and the type of mentality to be effective against the run. Louis clearly has both of these qualities, and he plays the game a lot like Owusu-Koramoah did for Cleveland.”
Should the Browns Draft Kyle Louis?
GettyCleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
The news regarding Owusu-Koramoah’s injury status is devastating, but the Browns cannot stand pat and potentially risk not having a proper replacement for him. Enter Louis, who spent four seasons playing collegiate football with Pittsburgh. Louis is a do-it-all weakside linebacker who racked up 81 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 2025.
Much of what Cleveland does in regard to its linebacker room will depend on whether or not Bush gets re-signed. If he doesn’t, the Browns will likely look to the draft for another linebacker, and Louis could be a great fit, especially since he isn’t expected to come off the board until the third or fourth round. In a perfect world, Owusu-Koramoah would be able to return to the field next season, but in the event that doesn’t happen, Louis could be a prospect worth targeting.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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