Cleveland Browns: Grading the moves from Day 1 of free agency
J.C. Tretter, Center: 3 years, $16. 75 million, $10 million guaranteed
New #Browns C/G J.C. Tretter gets 3 years, $16.75m, $10m guaranteed, source said.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 9, 2017
The Browns’ free agency philosophy quickly came into focus on Thursday afternoon with the offensive line signings made. In addition to the signing of guard Kevin Zeitler, the team addressed the need for a solid quarterback of the offensive line in the center position.
J.C. Tretter is an immediate upgrade over current center Cam Erving and has been a top center in the league protecting Aaron Rodgers. Tretter was drafted in the fourth round in 2013 out of Cornell by the Green Bay Packers. Before being injured in Week 8, the 26-year-old was ranked as one of the top center’s as pointed out by Evan Silva of Pro Football Focus.
New #Browns C J.C. Tretter was @PFF's No. 5 overall center out of 35 before he got hurt in Week 8 last year.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) March 9, 2017
GRADE: B
When healthy, Tretter has proved to be an elite center. However, he only started seven games in 2016 before missing the rest of the season with a knee injury. If Tretter stays healthy, the Browns will have got a steal of a signing.