Browns Offensive Line Faces Murky Future
Browns offensive linemen Wyatt Teller, left, and Chris Hubbard head to the locker room in training camp on Friday, July 29, 2022 in Berea.
Even though the Cleveland Browns remain in the thick of the playoff hunt 13 weeks into the NFL season, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that, without Deshaun Watson, this team could be limited to a first-round appearance at best.
Yes, Joe Flacco came in on Sunday and looked like a capable quarterback, but now the defense is starting to fold under pressure. Last Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams did whatever they wanted on the offensive side of the ball, which changed the game plan for Kevin Stefanski.
No one is counting this team out yet, but it’s reasonable to be realistic and start thinking more about 2024. For the most part, this roster will be kept together. That is great for a position of strength, but can also be a huge detriment to a position of need — a position, like, say, the Browns’ offensive line.
The O-line has been better in the last few weeks in pass protection. It appears that Dawand Jones, who is the third tackle on the original depth chart, is getting healthy. He’s been a real diamond in the rough.
The problem now is that they are down to the original fifth tackle on the depth chart, Geron Christian, who has played decently given the circumstances. He has gotten beat a few times, but the fact that we still don’t know exactly who this guy is means he’s floating under the radar.
But while the tackles are now doing better in pass protection, Cleveland can’t seem to run the ball to save their lives. I know the team is without Nick Chubb, which is obviously a huge loss, but we’ve continued to see the rushing attack deteriorate over the last few weeks, long after his season-ending injury.
On the flip side, the interior guards have no problem driving off the ball in run situations, but they’re a wet paper bag when the Browns drop back to pass. I know Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio are both fan favorites — I like them, I swear! — but they both continue to struggle in pass protection.
The lone bright spot at the moment continues to be Ethan Pocic, who wasn’t even slated to be a starter. Pocic was brought in to be a backup behind Nick Harris and has manned the position ever since Harris’ injury on one of the first snaps in preseason last year.
When you look at this depth chart on paper, there are a lot of recognizable names, including the coach, Bill Callahan, who is often touted as the best offensive line coach in the league. I’m not here to bash Callahan, who is of course infinitely more qualified to lead this group, but if you watch closely, this group just isn’t clicking anymore, and it’s a big reason this offense continues to disappoint.
If you have continued reading for the good news, I’m afraid you have come to the wrong place. Even though this Browns O-line is struggling to get solid production, they are one of the highest-paid units in the league.
Teller is bringing in $14 million per year after his last extension and Bitonio is at $16 million per year. To put that into perspective, there are only six other interior linemen (center included) making more than them, and I can assure you that none of them are on the same team.
It would be one thing if these guys were keeping the quarterback spotless and opening holes that a Mac Truck could fit through, but right now neither one is earning their check.
They will have a lot of dead money if the team decides to move away from them after the 2023 season, but I’m not sure I see a scenario where both return. Teller has more dead cap and is the younger player, which tells me the longest-tenured Brown, Bitonio, could be looking for a new home next year.
Things aren’t much better at tackle, as the Browns guaranteed the contract of Jedrick Wills for 2024, and not a single team would be willing to pick that up in a trade. Jack Conklin, who has had season-ending injuries the last two years, also has another three years left on his current deal, with cap numbers just under $20 million in 2025 and 2026.
While we are stuck with Wills for 2024, the post-June cut number for Conklin is likely bearable enough for Andrew Berry to consider moving on. Between the cap savings and play of Jones, who has been the lone bright spot this year, I don’t see a scenario where he makes it into 2024.
As it looks now, the Browns are set with Wills and Jones for 2024, which isn’t a great duo at tackle. With their lack of cap space and draft picks from the Watson trade, coupled with the money already spent at the position, these two will have to do.
The interior offensive line will be easier to build in the middle of the draft or even a second-tier free agent. I do think you’ll see Teller or Bitonio out of Cleveland next year with Berry knowing he has Harris as a backup if he falls flat on his face looking for additional talent.
I know I’m being a bit negative right now, but it can’t be overstated how tough of a situation the Browns will be in at offensive line next season (or, for that matter, to end the 2023 season). Berry has worked his magic more than once to revamp a group, but this will be his biggest challenge yet.
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