Cleveland Browns 2020 free agency preview: Pass or sign
By Greg Newland
Sign – Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle
Arguably the biggest need for 2020 is an upgrade at both tackle positions. The Browns currently have a ton of guys who would be backups on most teams, including Chris Hubbard, Kendall Lamm, and Justin McCray. Jack Conklin, who will likely be leaving the Tennessee Titans, could be a fantastic fit. Conklin has been a right tackle his entire career, which is a downside, but after the Titans elected to move on Conklin will be out to prove his doubters wrong.
Conklin could easily be paired with the No. 10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft on opening day for the Browns, putting Hubbard on the chopping blocks or an option at right guard, which also saw mediocre play in 2019. Conklin battled injuries in 2018, but before that was dependable. Knowing that Trent Williams is now seeking $20 million per year, Conklin’s athleticism for the zone scheme Kevin Stefanski runs will be a perfect fit in 2020. Let’s hope Andrew Berry locks this in quick as Conklin will likely have many suitors.
Pass – Trent Williams, Offensive Tackle
This situation is a little different as the Browns would have to trade for Trent Williams, who is under contract with the Washington Redskins through the 2020 season. However, the talk of the NFL recently has been the All-Pro tackle is still trying to find a way out via a trade.
Injury concerns and a request of $20 million per year extension is enough to pass on Williams. Add on top it will likely take a second or third-round pick in a trade, this is an easy pass. With big asks from Williams, it will likely be difficult for the Redskins to move him and his name could pop up at the trade deadline once again.