The Cleveland Browns have been in total overhaul mode since the end of the 2015 season, as they have changed their front office, hired a new coaching staff, and have made significant changes to their roster.
One player that the Browns decided to release that many did not see coming is linebacker Karlos Dansby, as he provided one of the few bright spots in another down season in Cleveland. The veteran linebacker is entering his 13th year in the league and is coming off another strong season in which he recorded 108 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, three interceptions and scored two defensive touchdowns.
The Browns told Dansby that they were rebuilding their franchise with young players and that they wanted to allow the veteran linebacker the ability to sign with a contender in the final years of his career. "It's time for me to go get a ring," Dansby said. "This is going to get me closer to my destiny and I'm cool with that."
One team that has shown interest in the free agent linebacker is the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has loss some key pieces this offseason, including linebacker Bruce Irvin, and could look to add a major piece to their defense in Dansby. The only issue with Dansby joining the Seahawks is that he played inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense in Cleveland, and the Seahawks are currently solidified with Bobby Wagner as their middle linebacker in their 4-3 defense.
Seattle could look to play Dansby at strongside linebacker, but it's unknown if Dansby would still be as effective playing in a different position in a different base defense. There is no doubt that Dansby is likely athletic enough to transition to outside linebacker, but it's unknown if the veteran linebacker would be willing to make that transition late in his career.
The Seahawks would give Dansby a very good chance of competing for a Super Bowl late in his career, but he could look to find a contender where he could fill an immediate role at inside linebacker. The franchise that drafted Dansby in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals, could make a strong fit to end his career, but he has not been in contact with his former team.
It's unclear where Dansby will end up for the 2016 season, but look for him to make an impact on a contender next season, as he is still clearly a force in the league.
