CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from March 4, 2021.
On the fifth day of NFL free agency, the Cleveland Browns continued to bulk up their defense, agreeing to terms with former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Anthony Walker on a one-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Now in his fifth season in the NFL, the 25-year-old Walker spent the first four seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. From 2018-2020, he started 47 games, including all 32 games during the 2019 and 2020 campaigns.
Last season, the 25-year-old Walker totaled 92 tackles, two of which came for a loss and one interception. He ranked as Pro Football Focus' No. 69 overall linebacker and 49th at his position in coverage.
In coming to Cleveland, Walker will likely fill the Browns' void at middle linebacker, which was created when last year's starter, B.J. Goodson, hit free agency. Earlier this week, Cleveland re-signed veteran Malcolm Smith, with Sione Takitaki, Mack Wilson and Jacob Phillips also set to return at linebacker for the Browns in 2021.
The addition of Walker marks the fourth significant defensive signing Cleveland has made since the NFL's legal tampering period began on Monday. Earlier this week, the Browns signed former Los Angeles Rams safety John Johnson III to a three-year contract, before also adding former Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Takkarist McKinley to a one-year deal and former Rams cornerback Troy Hill on a four-year contract.