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6 Cleveland Browns offensive linemen that got away

By Elliot Kennel

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 20: Mitchell Schwartz #72 of the Cleveland Browns sits on the bench before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2013 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Browns 31-13. (Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 20: Mitchell Schwartz #72 of the Cleveland Browns sits on the bench before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2013 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Browns 31-13. (Photo by Brian Kersey/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 15: Kevin Zeitler #70 of the New York Giants in action against the Buffalo Bills during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 15: Kevin Zeitler #70 of the New York Giants in action against the Buffalo Bills during their game at MetLife Stadium on September 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

Kevin Zeitler, New York Giants

The Browns thought they had depth at offensive line and thus felt safe to trade away Kevin Zeitler, a very steady performer originally signed by Sashi Brown to what at the time was the largest contract ever awarded to an offensive lineman.

Zeitler is another player who has been a near-miss for the Pro Bowl every year. He has consistently earned accolades from his coaches and Pro Football Focus grades his performance highly also. He currently ranks as the No. 6 guard, one spot ahead of his close friend Joel Bitonio.

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Although there were several candidates to replace him, no one stepped up, forcing John Dorsey to trade a fifth and sixth-round draft pick to the Buffalo Bills for Wyatt Teller plus the Bills’ seventh-round pick.

Zeitler was traded for edge rusher Olivier Vernon, who is another player that the Browns needed, given that they could not stop the run in 2018 and, except for Myles Garrett, they failed to put pressure on the passer.

The Browns may have thought that they had enough depth to be able to trade Zeitler. This was not a bad trade. Cleveland gave up a Pro Bowl level talent in Zeitler, and they received a former Pro Bowler in Vernon.

The master plan was that Austin Corbett would be able to replace him. Had that happened, it would have been a brilliant deal. However, that just didn’t work out and the Browns have had to look for answers at right guard this season.

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