Cleveland Browns rework veteran contract to free up space

The Cleveland Browns freed up roughly $4 million in space for 2022 by reworking starting right tackle Jack Conklin’s contract

Heading into the offseason, the Cleveland Browns weren’t in any real trouble with the salary cap but they also knew they needed to make some moves to free up space. If not, they wouldn’t be able to participate in free agency the way they liked, nor could they extend the players who are heading into the final year of their deals.

On Saturday, some of the work began in this effort as the front office agreed to a restructured deal with starting right tackle Jack Conklin.

According to Field Yates, the move opens up $4 million in space for the team to use as they look to re-tool their roster when free agency opens up in a couple of weeks.

It’s also a good move for Conklin. The six-year veteran missed 10 games last season and finished the year on IR with a torn patellar tendon. There were concerns about his future and if the Browns did decide to move on following the injury, he would be starting over from scratch.

Instead, he gets to stay in Cleveland where he has already performed very well and still has a chance to make the full $12 million he was due — should he hit the playing time incentives.

Cleveland Browns still need offensive tackle help

Having said all that, the Browns should still look for help on the offensive line. They had injury issues with both Conklin and left tackle Jedrick Wills while also losing Chris Hubbard early in the season.

James Hudson, their fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was one of the players thrust into action due to the litany of injuries and he had his share of growing pains as a rookie. Blake Hance also played some tackle, but he’s a much better fit at guard.

So while it’s nice to see Conklin in the plans for 2022, the Browns still need to make sure they get some insurance.