Should the Cleveland Browns look at signing Earl Watford?
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns should be looking to build interior offensive linemen depth before the regular season, could the recently released veteran guard be an option?
This preseason has shown one of the biggest weaknesses the 2018 Cleveland Browns have, depth on the interior of the offensive line.
For most of the Browns’ three preseason games, the team has played Austin Corbett and Spencer Drango at the guard positions.
Corbett is a rookie that will be starting, so the team is getting him reps so he can be ready for the season. But Drango, who is currently Cleveland’s third guard, has struggled mightily this preseason. His play has even created the possibility that the team could release him as part of the 53-man roster cuts.
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But behind Drango, there is no real option on the roster to replace him. If the Browns were to move on from Drango, they would have to add a guard via the waiver wire, trade, or free agency. But one possibility the Browns could, and should pursue right now, is the recently released Earl Watford.
A fourth-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the 28-year-old offensive lineman has bounced around teams after playing out his rookie contract. Watford has started 20 games the past two seasons with the Cardinals.
Although Watford is not one of the most talented guards in the NFL, he brings plenty of starting experience with him. With Corbett playing his first snaps at guard, having a player that has experience starting behind him on the depth chart would provide solid insurance in case Corbett struggles or gets hurt.
If Corbett has trouble adjusting to the NFL right away, it would be smart for the Browns to have an option behind him to give him more time if needed. It would not be ideal since Corbett was a second-round pick, but it is something the Browns need to consider.
Watford is also still only 28-years-old, still giving him time to figure things out and become a much better player. Perhaps working with Browns offensive line coach Bob Wylie could help bring some more out of Watford’s play.
Watford should also come relatively cheap. He signed only a $1.25 million contract with the Bears this off-season, and would likely ask for a similar contract now. The only issue is that plenty of organizations will be looking to add offensive line depth at this time of year, which could create a bidding market for Watford’s services.
With cuts soon to happen, teams may opt to wait to see who becomes available via waivers. The Browns hold first priority on the waiver wire, so they would have their choice if any offensive linemen of interest becomes available. But if the team wants to get ahead of the curve, making a move for Watford would not be a bad option.