3 Cleveland Browns entering major contract years

These three Cleveland Browns players are entering a critical year when it comes to their contracts

With the way general manager Andrew Berry has structured many of the contract signings he’s made, the Cleveland Browns have roughly $48 million in cap space this season. It’s not likely they will sign anyone new but they’re sure to roll that money into 2023 and use it to cover some of their big contracts already on the books.

Or perhaps they can also find a way to use some of that to extend a few players who are entering a contract year.

Here, we look at three such players who will be trying to prove the Browns — or perhaps another NFL team — should give them a new deal.

Cleveland Browns entering major contract years

3. Jack Conklin, RT

There were several injuries the Browns suffered through in 2021, including the labrum tear that Baker Mayfield was dealing with all year. While that one — as well as Kareem Hunt’s injury — was discussed often when pointing to the offensive struggles, one huge loss was often overlooked.

Starting right tackle Jack Conklin missed 10 games which was a major reason why their offensive line saw such a major drop in production from the previous campaign. Not the flashiest player in the league, Conklin is one of the best at his position as PFF graded him as the No. 1 right tackle and No. 3 overall tackle when he was on the field.

https://twitter.com/PFF_Browns/status/1454098535620780035?s=20&t=VYasLk1Z1yVMJhphpVnsfQ

This is nothing new when it comes to Conklin. He was a prized free agent addition for Berry in 2020 due to his dominance as a right tackle for the Tennessee Titans.

He’s not someone who gets much recognition but rather just goes out and does his job extremely well. Now, he enters a contract year where he can once again earn a big payday, especially if he’s able to stay healthy for all 17 games.