Press Enter to send · Shift+Enter for a new line
Carson Schwesinger
LB · CLE

Carson Schwesinger

Position LB
Team CLE
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

Carson Schwesinger

NFL player. Position: LB. Team: CLE.

Quick Facts

  • Position: Linebacker
  • Team: CLE (Cleveland Browns)
  • Notable: 2025 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year

2026 Outlook

Schwesinger earned AP Defensive Rookie of the Year after posting 146 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions in 2025 — the most tackles by a Browns rookie since the franchise's 1999 return. He recorded double-digit tackle games in seven outings and scored in every game with nine or more touches. His 40-yard-dash time was the fastest among 2025 draft class running backs. If he continues strong production, Schwesinger could be fantasy-relevant in deep IDP (Individual Defensive Player) formats. (per Carson Schwesinger's Jersey & Helmet in Pro Football Hall of Fame)

Schwesinger's 2026 role could expand significantly if Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (who carries $11M+ in guaranteed money) cannot return from injury. The Browns are unlikely to move JOK off the roster due to insurance money, but Schwesinger paired with an extended Devin Bush would form one of the top LB tandems in the NFL. His current contract ($1.4-$2.4M over three years) provides significant cap value, and linebacker coach Jason Tarver has proven he can elevate IDP production, evidenced by his track record with other linebackers in the system (per Updated: Cleveland Browns 2026 Roster Prediction).

Schwesinger cracked the 2026 NFL Top 100 Players list at No. 93 based on peer voting, cementing his status as one of the league's elite young defenders. Under new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, Schwesinger continues serving as the defensive signal caller, amplifying his tackle production and cementing his role as a cornerstone of the Browns defense. The peer recognition reflects his elite post-Myles Garrett standing as part of the Browns' defensive rebuild alongside new acquisition Jared Verse (per Carson Schwesinger slated at No. 93 in NFL's Top 100 Players of 2026 and Cleveland Browns News and Rumors 6/26/26: Quick Hits, Old Scars, and One Smart Orangutan).

ESPN scout/exec poll (July 14): An ESPN poll of NFL scouts, executives, and coaches ranked Schwesinger third among linebackers and drew a Luke Kuechly comparison: "He's Luke Kuechly reincarnated. Elite speed, athleticism, instincts, ball skills." The comparison to Hall of Famer Kuechly represents the highest level of praise for a second-year linebacker. In 2025, Schwesinger's 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 11 tackles for loss, 9 QB hits, and 3 passes defended placed him in elite company—only T.J. Watt and Laiatu Latu (both edge rushers) matched his achievement of 2+ sacks, 2+ INTs, and 10+ TFLs. Schwesinger's 2026 season is expected to build on this foundation as the Browns' defensive anchor (per Browns award-winning LB called Luke Kuechly reincarnated by NFL exec).

IDP tier-1 targeting (June 25): IDP+ ranked Schwesinger as a tier-1 linebacker for 2026 drafts, recommending targeting him in rounds 7-9 of mixed leagues. Analysis cited his "rising star" status with strong projection upside in a favorable team situation, positioning him as a priority selection among defensive players (per 2026 IDP Draft Strategy Guide).

Depth analysis (July 10) confirms Browns linebacker room lacks proven SAM linebacker coverage beyond Schwesinger and Mike Rutenberg. 247Sports scouts note the next-level options are "special teams depth rather than a SAM linebacker and next man up if there is an injury," suggesting minimal NFL snaps available behind the Schwesinger-Rutenberg duo. This reinforces Schwesinger's role as the elite defensive signal caller and tackle accumulator for IDP formats (per Cleveland Browns Five Biggest Weaknesses Heading Into 2026 Season - #5 Lack Of Depth)..

Role / Depth Chart

Starter for Browns at linebacker. Second-round 2025 draft pick.

Injury Status

Healthy entering 2026.

Recent News

Open Questions

  • Will Schwesinger continue elite tackle production as a sophomore linebacker?

Sources