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It\u2019s oftentimes hard for teams to find quality left tackles in free agency, but the Cleveland Browns might be able to do just that.<\/p>\n
Quality, starting offensive linemen don\u2019t grow on trees. So they typically don\u2019t become available.<\/p>\n
However, the Browns continue to be linked to Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker, who started all 17 games over the last three seasons.<\/p>\n
NFL Network\u2019s Cameron Wolfe was the latest to connect Walker to the Browns, as the Browns might perceive him as the No. 1 tackle this offseason. The Browns have a lot of offensive line needs, and they could be willing to put up significant cash to secure the 26-year-old left tackle out of Penn State.<\/p>\n
Cleveland\u2019s tackles were the worst-ranked duo in pass protection last season. It resulted in polarizing fifth-round rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders being sacked more than 20 times in seven starts. Walker would command a significant paycheck, but the Browns might be willing to pay to solve their biggest issue.<\/p>\n
According to Spotrac, Walker could command a four-year deal worth over $80 million. The Browns would be willing to pay the price to solve their glaring need at left tackle.<\/p>\n
Browns general manager Andrew Berry promised to use significant resources this offseason to fix the league\u2019s worst offense after the team fired Kevin Stefanski.<\/p>\n
By locking down a left tackle longterm, Berry\u2019s job gets much easier with the team\u2019s two first-round draft picks. Of course, the Browns have needs across their offensive line. But 10 draft picks can be deployed to fix other holes if left tackle is already resolved.<\/p>\n
At No. 6 overall, the Browns would be able to draft for the best player available. Perhaps they\u2019d entertain a defensive superstar like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. But more likely, they\u2019d double down on supporting their offense. Fixing the offensive line could be cemented by drafting a right tackle like Miami\u2019s Francis Mauigoa or Utah\u2019s Spencer Fano.<\/p>\n
Or, the Browns could demote Jerry Jeudy to their second wide receiver by selecting Ohio State\u2019s Carnell Tate, Arizona State\u2019s Jordyn Tyson, or USC\u2019s Makai Lemon.<\/p>\n
If the Browns invest significantly into Walker, they likely won\u2019t be able to replace right guard Wyatt Teller in free agency. If Joel Bitonio decides to return for a 13th season, it would need to be on a significantly reduced salary.<\/p>\n
But with Walker already in the mix, the Browns would be able to use their No. 24 overall or second-round selection to address the interior of their offensive line. Some data-driven organizations believe that you could have a sturdy offensive line with average guard play. We\u2019ll see if the Browns follow that philosophy.<\/p>\n
The Browns aren\u2019t exactly strapped for cash, but they still owe Deshaun Watson a lot of money. It\u2019s possible that new Browns head coach Todd Monken could entertain starting Watson. Or, the first-time head coach could decide to have the controversial former MVP candidate compete against Sanders.<\/p>\n
If the Browns pay big for Walker, they\u2019d likely be out of the running for his free agent teammate on the Packers \u2013 quarterback Malik Willis.<\/p>\n
Berry landing Walker would be a home run. It would put the Browns into a position to fill other holes with their two first-round picks.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s oftentimes hard for teams to find quality left tackles in free agency, but the Cleveland Browns might be able to do just that. Quality, starting offensive<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":43567,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-43566","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cleveland-browns"],"yoast_head":"\n