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5 NFL Free Agents Left That Could Help The Cleveland Browns Win Now

By Mitch Zoloty

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Johnathan Hankins #95 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 17: Johnathan Hankins #95 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a tackle against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals passes the ball while tackle Eric Winston #73 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals passes the ball while tackle Eric Winston #73 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends against the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Offensive Tackle Eric Winston

Eric Winston is the definition of veteran leadership. He is the president of the NFLPA, which shows the respect other players have for him across the league. With Joe Thomas’ departure, an offensive tackle spot on the Browns has opened up.

Cleveland has brought in Chris Hubbard and Donald Stephenson to compete for a starting spot. They also drafted Austin Corbett who is an interior guy, but could move outside. Offensive tackles Rod Johnson and Shon Coleman already exist in the Browns O-line room. Out of all the guys previously mentioned, it seems only Hubbard has a starting spot secured.

The battle to start out of this group is who will start at left tackle. Besides Chris Hubbard and Austin Corbett, none of the Browns candidates for the job are all that talented, or up to the task.

Eric Winston is a veteran tackle who has predominantly played on the right side of the line. With his intelligence and experience, the switch to left wouldn’t be that big of a challenge for him. He could slide in to the starting line up and provide as a bridge for the Browns future left tackle. The future most likely resides in the 2019 NFL Draft class, but for now, Winston could be the answer.

Winston’s 34 years old, turning 35 this season. If the Browns do end up taking a shot and signing him, don’t expect it to be for more than a year.

The Cleveland Browns have added a good amount of talent this past off-season. Fans can expect to see a brand new team with a brand new system on the field in 2018. Signing any one of these 5 guys could help put the new-look Browns into the playoffs.

Next: Jarvis Landry could have biggest role

With any of these vets or not, expect the Cleveland Browns to be a dark horse candidate to make the playoffs due to their off-season acquisitions.

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