Two weeks into training camp, the Browns still have their starting tackles on the active/PUP list. Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin continue to close out their respective rehab efforts, keeping Cleveland shorthanded at the position.
The team is looking into help here, with ESPN.com’s Field Yates noting Cameron Fleming stopped through northeast Ohio for a workout. Fleming has been a free agent since his latest Broncos contract expired last season. The longtime swing tackle is one of the top O-line options available at this late-summer juncture.
Fleming, 31, spent the past three seasons in Denver. His 2022 proved more notable than 2023, as the Broncos needed extensive help at tackle during Nathaniel Hackett‘s season in charge compared to Sean Payton‘s debut. Fleming made one start last season but 15 in 2022. Pro Football Focus graded Fleming’s 2022 favorably, particularly in terms of pass protection, and he made four starts for the ’21 Broncos — as their decade-long right tackle search was in full swing — as well.
The Browns finished last season without Conklin, Wills or rookie swingman Dawand Jones. Conklin’s injuries (ACL and MCL tears) happened earlier (Week 1) and were more severe compared to Wills’ MCL issue, which occurred several weeks later. Wills did require surgery, however. Jones did not begin camp on the PUP list, presenting a positive sign for an injury-riddled offense.
Cleveland continues to have plans for a fifth season with a Wills-Conklin tackle tandem in place, though long-term questions exist. Having sustained two ACL tears and a patella tendon tear as a pro, Conklin plans for camp participation have not come to fruition. The former first-rounder’s injury history is certainly concerning at this point, though the Browns gave the veteran an extension late in the 2022 season.
No Fleming agreement would pertain to long-term plans at this point; the veteran has played for four teams during his 10-year career. But the Browns have barely a month to prepare Conklin and Wills for the season. This timeframe would naturally make the team interested in some depth aid.