3 moves that will take the Cleveland Browns to the Super Bowl in 2023
By Greg Newland
Move No. 2 – Help on the Cleveland Browns offensive line
Everyone was quick to judge Deshaun Watson for struggling during his six-game stint with the Cleveland Browns this season, but no one talked about how bad the offensive line played. Watson was often more stunned when he time to throw the ball than when he was instantly under pressure.
The four-year extension to Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills being in the final year of his rookie deal (former first-round pick with a fifth-year option) make this situation tricky. Not to mention the Browns also have James Hudson as the third tackle. Even though they have decent depth, none of these three guys were good enough in 2022 to be a solid starting tackle in the NFL.
Hopefully, with a healthy offseason, Conklin can return to All-Pro form,and hopefully, Wills will also be a year better.Unfortunately, Wills has shown too many lazy tendencies to make me a believer. I don’t see Berry triggering the fifth year on his deal and I believe a mid-tier free agent like Andre Dillard or Riley Reiff makes a ton of sense. This will have a ton of money tied up on the offensive line, but I think your star quarterback would approve.
Berry loves to sign a former early-round pick who hasn’t lived up to expectations on a one-year “prove it” type deal, and that would fit this situation perfectly. Cleveland can sure up their offensive line issues and do it while not breaking the bank.
If this plan doesn’t work out, you could see the Browns ready to spend big in 2024 free agency for an elite left tackle.