Several offensive tackles are available as free agents for the Browns.
connected to a number of free agents this offseason. The only thing left to consider is how likely it is to add a player capable of starting.
Jack Conklin, who was lost for the season in Week 1, just signed a $60 million four-year contract deal. Because of this, he has a cap hit of more than $12 million going into the year. Furthermore, releasing him after June 1 would not relieve the cap, although releasing him before June 1 would.
Jedrick Wills, a left lineman, is set to begin his fifth season in the NFL with a $14.58 million guaranteed contract because his option was taken up before 2023. Since his release would just create a void on the roster and have no effect on their pay cap, it is not a viable option.
Even though a well-known starter might not be a possibility, the Browns might try to add an upside player as a backup. Alternatively, they could search for someone in need of a fresh start who hasn’t lived up to their draft status. Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus seems to be thinking along those lines as well, as he links Cleveland to pending free agents like Josh Jones and George Fant of the Houston Texans and Mekhi Becton of the New York Jets.
This offseason, the Browns could add depth and competitiveness.
Becton is the most well-known of the three names that were mentioned. In 2020, he was selected in the first round, one position behind Jed Wills. Similar to Wills, Becton had a strong debut season but has since witnessed a drop in performance. He may be seeking a one-year “prove-it” contract after New York rejected his deal’s fifth-year option. The two left tackles might compete if he is added, which might not be a terrible thing.
Fant, who played right tackle for Houston in 2023, might also provide competition. Fant has also started on the left side and was a member of the Jets and Seahawks. He might be used as a swing tackle, although he can also start on either side if necessary.
It seems like Jones would be a better swing tackle than James Hudson. He was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and in 60 games between the two teams, he has made 24 starts. He has demonstrated some versatility by playing guard and tackle, which is important for a squad that was forced to play from the end of the depth chart this past season.
