Dawg Pound Daily
FanSided

Cleveland Browns: 10 options if Mitchell Schwartz leaves

By Thomas Moore

Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) lines up against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) lines up against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Aug 2, 2014; Akron, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) blocks a pass rusher during training camp at InfoCision Stadium Summa Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2014; Akron, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz (72) blocks a pass rusher during training camp at InfoCision Stadium Summa Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Browns are serious about making the latest rebuild be the one that finally works, Mitchell Schwartz needs to be a part of the plan.

Schwartz has started every game for the Browns since being selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and is one of those players whose true value may only be appreciated once he is no longer with the Browns.

During his time in Cleveland Schwartz has developed into one of the best right tackles in the game and is a key member of the offensive line, which is the lone strength on the Browns. With the possibility that the team may see Mack leave in free agency, the idea of having to replace a second high-quality starter on the offensive line should fill the Browns (and their quarterbacks) with dread.

More from Dawg Pound Daily

“It’s a matchup league and if you’ve got a great left tackle and a poor right tackle, why would I waste my best pass rusher on your left tackle?” NFL Network’s Mike Mayock said on a recent conference call. “It’s just common sense. I think more and more defensive coordinators are looking to take advantage of any weak link.

“Your right tackle, in the old days, was kind of like he’d better be a solid run blocker. But today, if he can’t block Von Miller, if he can’t block any of the premier edge rushers in the NFL, you’ve got a problem. So I don’t think there’s any doubt that more and more teams are looking for more athletic right tackles.”

The Browns have reportedly been negotiating with Schwartz’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, and have reportedly made an offer, but the two sides are not close on a new contract. If the Browns have any fear that Schwartz may walk they should not hesitate to place the exclusive franchise tag and its estimated $13.6 million cost on him.

Because, as we’ve shown, the options to replace Schwartz all come with their own issues.

Home/Browns News