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Browns Free Agent Buzz: Team Won’t Re-Sign Austin Pasztor?

By Nick Dudukovich

Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Austin Pasztor (67) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Austin Pasztor (67) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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In Cleveland Browns free agent buzz, the team appears poised to move on from offensive lineman Austin Pasztor.

Not a lot went right for the Browns offensive line in 2016. Injuries devastated the unit. Draft picks weren’t ready to play. Cameron Erving still looked lost at center.

Now, in Browns free agent buzz, it doesn’t sound like Cleveland will bring back right tackle Austin Pasztor. The team believes its next right tackle is already under contract, according to Cleveland.com columnist Terry Pluto.

"“Right tackle Austin Pasztor is a free agent and I doubt he’ll be back with the Browns. I hear the Browns believe they can find a right tackle from the group of Spencer Drango, Shon Coleman and Cameron Erving. I also hear Erving’s days at center are over. Drango and Shon Coleman were rookies last year.”"

Why would the Browns help Pasztor walk out the door?

For one thing, the lineman may be looking for starter’s money. Pasztor started 15 games at RT for the Browns in 2016, and started at RG in Week 17 as the Browns were forced to plug holes in the line.

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Spencer Drango and Shon Coleman were two of the Browns’ draft choices from the 2016 NFL Draft. Neither looked particularly ready to be NFL starters. But if what Pluto’s hearing is correct, the Browns believe their youngsters are ready to take the next step in 2017.

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It will be unfortunate to see Pasztor go because what kind of money are we really talking about here? Low-level starter’s money? Considering the Browns have $100 million in cap room after signing Jamie Collins, it would make sense to sign dependable players, such as Pasztor, who is only 26 and has started 43 games in his NFL career.

But with Paul DePodesta on board, you know that’s not how “moneyball” works. If you can find someone who you believe will do the same quality work for less money, you pounce on the cheaper option.

Pasztor was a waiver wire find at the beginning of the 2015 season after he was cut from Jacksonville.

He graded out decently on Pro Football Focus last season with a 77.3 overall grade. He excelled in pass blocking (84.0) compared to run blocking (68.6).

Next: 8 Free Agents The Browns Should Target

Deciding to move on from Pasztor will be a minor one in the grand scheme of things, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. The Browns office is going into year two and they’re banking on decisions they made in the draft to cover for the loss of Pasztor. Stay tuned.

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