The Browns are starting to carve out some extra cap space. Per ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter), the Browns have reworked the final year of offensive lineman Jack Conklin‘s contract.
As Yates notes, Conklin was due a non-guaranteed $12MM in 2022. Now, he’ll earn $8MM in fully guaranteed money, plus up to $4MM in play-time incentives (starting at 55% and up to 75%). Conklin initially signed a three-year, $42MM deal with the Browns in 2020.
Now, Conklin will be locked in for 2022, he can still earn up to the $12MM he was due, and the Browns save $4MM in cap space. The Browns already entered the offseason with plenty of breathing room under the cap, with ESPN’s Jake Trotter citing their projected cap space at $27.32MM.
Following a four-year stint with the Titans that had both highs (like earning All-Pro honors as a rookie) and lows (like having his fifth-year option declined), Conklin joined the Browns in 2020. He started all 15 of his games in 2020 and earned another All-Pro nod, but he was limited to only seven starts in 2021 after suffering a torn patellar tendon.
Need to get some WRs for Baker to throw to. Likely going to draft one high but I can see them signing a few big names as well. Robinson? Maybe trade for Michael Thomas?
You know who I could see doing really well in Cleveland if Landry leaves? JuJu. Baker needs a reliable underneath, move-the-chains type so he isn’t forcing the ball deep so much.
He also needs a true deep threat. Hasn’t had one since taking over there. Landry and OBJ were never that. Agree that JuJu would do well there.
A Offensive core with healthy baker throwing to Garrett Wilson, juju in the slot, DPJ as the big man, and Schwartz running vertical would be best case scenario
I like a 3rd for Ridley, restructure Landry with more guaranteed money, draft London and have DPJ. That WR group could rival the Bengals group and they’re still paying less than last year’s group
That would be pretty sweet too! I’m just impartial to OSU dudes and hate watching them do well elsewhere when the browns pass over them