Cleveland Browns sign Kevin Zeitler to massive deal

The Cleveland Browns have been busy at the start of free agency, and are reportedly offering offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler a record deal.

While big-name players continue to find new homes, the Cleveland Browns have been making moves to bolster the foundation of the team.

After signing Kenny Britt, J.C. Tretter, and extending Joel Bitonio, the Browns made a big splash by adding a player who will make the Browns’ offensive line one of the best in NFL in 2017, according to Adam Schefter.

Kevin Zeitler comes over from the Cincinnati Bengals, where he worked with Hue Jackson before Jackson came to the Browns. Perhaps that factored into the decision.

The former first-round pick is receiving a record deal, which gives fans a sense of the front office’s goals this offseason.

While some fans may want the team to overpay for flashy playmakers, the Browns are building the team the right way. A quarterback can’t succeed without a strong offensive line, and the front office realizes this fact.

The plan seems to be to improve the offense in free agency, and focus on the defense throughout the draft. And with Myles Garrett already seemingly headed to Cleveland, the Browns will receive a great influx of talent in 2017.

The Zeitler news is great, but the elephant in the room is still Terrelle Pryor, who remains a free agent. Yet his value to the team may continue to go down with all the improvements all over the offense. A strong offensive line is perhaps the most important part of a successful offense, so Pryor may see his initial asking price be denied by the Browns.

Next: Browns sign Kenny Britt

But for now, Browns fans can rest easy knowing the front office is focusing on making the team better this in free agency, compared to last year when four starters left on the first day.