The Browns have agreed to a three-year contract extension with LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, according to multiple reports. The deal is worth up to $39 million, with $25 million of that guaranteed. JOK will be the sixth-highest paid LB by annual average, according to Over The Cap.
What They're Saying
NFL.com's Eric Edholm: "It's possible that Owusu-Koramoah will be the Browns' 'green dot' defender -- the player who receives play calls through the helmet communication system and then relays them to his teammates on the field -- this season."
Chris Pokorny of the Dawgs By Nature Browns blog: "His instincts and closing speed have always been sharp, and he’s a guy who just has that 'it' factor when anyone does the eye test with him. He should be the leader of the Browns’ linebackers this year."
2024 Fantasy Football Impact
JOK saw his playing time fluctuate through the past three seasons. But this extension clearly indicates that we should expect him to continue the full-time role from the end of last season.
Owusu-Koramoah's most impressive stat from a breakout 2023 was his 20 tackles for loss. That ranked fourth in the league and tops among non-edge players. He added 3.5 sacks and 2 INTs (both career highs), highlighting his cross-category scoring ability.
Cleveland signed Jordan Hicks this offseason, a likely upgrade over Anthony Walker and Sione Takitaki as the team's No. 2 LB. But Hicks' arrival shouldn't impact JOK's playing time.
I mentioned in this IDP strategy guide that JOK carries top-12 upside from a likely price tag in high LB3 range.
Dynasty Impact
Owusu-Koramoah won't turn 25 until November and should have plenty of production ahead of him. This extension carries him through his age-28 season.