CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns continue to bolster their defense in the second-tier free agency.
On Friday night, they agreed to a one-year deal with former defense tackle Malik Jackson, 31, a league source confirmed. Jackson (6-5, 290) was released by the Eagles this week to clear their space. He had 28 tackles and 2.5 sacks last season.
A tenth-year pro, Jackson made the Pro Bowl in 2017 when he was with the Jaguars. He was originally a fifth-round pick from the Broncos from USC. Jackson is inside line that puts the QB under pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson’s pass production was tied for 22nd place among 128 qualifying defensive tackles.
He recorded 267 tackles, 35 sacks, six forced fumbles and 25 deflection passes. Jackson played for the Broncos from 2012-’15, the Jaguars from 2016-’18 and the Eagles from 2019-’20.
After Jackson was released by the Jaguars in 2019, Jackson signed a three-year, $ 30 million deal with the Eagles. But in the opening game for 2019 in Washington, he suffered a Lisfranc foot injury and was placed on an injured reserve for the season.
Last season, Jackson played in 15 games, and he separated 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two passes.
During this free period, the Browns also signed safety John Johnson III, defensive end Branch McKinley, cornerback Troy Hill and midfielder Anthony Walker. They also signed fullback Malcolm Smith.
Jackson joins a tackle rotation that includes Sheldon Richardson, Jordan Elliott and Andrew Billings, who were selected last season due to COVID-19. Billings has asthma and was worried about the infection. Former Browns defender Larry Ogunjobi has signed a one-year deal with the Bengals.
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