Cleveland Browns, Jack Conklin agree on a huge contract extension
The Cleveland Browns and right tackle Jack Conklin agreed to terms on a contract extension Friday. Conklin was previously set to become a free agent in March.
The Cleveland Browns and Jack Conklin reached an agreement on a four-year, $60 million contract extension.
The deal includes #31 million fully guaranteed for the former All-Pro tackle and was originally reported by Adam Schefter.
Browns and right tackle Jack Conklin reached agreement today on a four-year, $60 million extension that includes $31 million fully guaranteed, per his agent @DrewJRosenhaus, who negotiated deal with @JasonRosenhaus, @RyanMatha, Browns’ GM Andrew Berry and Browns’ VP Chris Cooper.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 23, 2022
Conklin originally signed a three-year, $42 million deal with Cleveland in the 2020 offseason. Prior to the start of this year, he restructured the final year of his contract and took a pay cut. He’s since made it clear he wants to stay with the Browns and finish his career in Northeast Ohio.
Conklin was a first-team All-Pro player twice, once in 2016 and then again in 2020.
During his tenure in Cleveland, Conklin has missed 12 games in a three-year span. Last season, he suffered a torn patella tendon, which therefore cut his campaign short.
Conklin is 28 years old and gives them major stability at the tackle position for the next four years — provided he can stay healthy. Clearly, the front office believes he can.
Browns continue commitment to O-line
Time and time again, Andrew Berry and the front office have proven how important they feel it is to build and keep a proven offensive line in Cleveland.
The general manager has now locked up Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and Conklin on long-term extensions.
That leaves them with Jedrick Wills, who is set to become a free agent in 2024, and Nick Harris as the only starting linemen who haven’t been extended long-term.
Wills hasn’t performed up to 10th overall pick standards and the Conklin extension makes you wonder whether or not Cleveland is interested in signing their left tackle long-term.
One potential option the Browns have if they aren’t going to extend Wills is to either slide former fourth-round pick James Hudson to left tackle or move Conklin to the left side and plug Hudson in at right tackle to better protect quarterback Deshaun Watson’s blindside.
The former eighth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Conklin will look to continue to provide the Browns stability on the offensive line and help the Browns’ run game, as well as passing attack in the future.
