Cleveland Browns: 4 Offensive linemen to sign as Covid-19 opt out replacements

2. Chris Clark, Tackle

Another undrafted free agent, Chris Clark played collegiately for Southern Miss and was given his first shot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2008. He wasn’t able to make their final roster and they let him go — without giving him a shot on the practice quad. Instead, he ended up with the Minnesota Vikings on their practice squad for the next two-plus seasons.

During those years (2008-2010), Clark worked on the same team as current Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski. In those days, Stefanski was the assistant to the head coach (2008) and assistant quarterbacks coach — that role he held from 2009 through 2013. While the two didn’t work closely, Clark should still have some familiarity with the offense Stefanski runs. He also has a lot of experience as an NFL starter.

Following his release in 2010, Clark landed with the Denver Broncos where he became a swing tackle. He started 27 games in five seasons with Denver before being traded to the Houston Texans. Here was there from 2015-2017 and had his best stretch of football for them. Clark returned to Houston to start in seven more games last season, which was following a one-year stint as a starting left tackle for the Carolina Panthers.

Soon to be 35-years-old, Clark isn’t a long-term answer but adding him could help tremendously> Clark could serve as the swing tackle for the Browns while allowing Chris Hubbard to move inside full-time, occupying the role vacated by Drew Forbes. That alone would make this move a wise one.