Cleveland Browns: Why Not Sign Ryan Clady And Play Him At Right Tackle?

A possibly upgrade at right tackle for the Cleveland Browns should be worth looking into.

The Cleveland Browns made some big time moves this offseason as they improved their center and right guard positions with J.C. Tretter and Kevin Zeitler respectively. However, more moves should be made.

The lone question mark along the offensive line now is at right tackle. Sure, Cleveland could use Shon Coleman there, but in my eyes he is more of a spot starter/depth option. Coleman is more like fellow Browns’ utility lineman John Greco, than a legitimate answer at the position.

One alternative to the position is free agent veteran Ryan Clady. Yes, he has missed some time due to injuries in recent years, and understandably would cause some hesitation in signing him.

However, the former Denver Broncos and New York Jets lineman should come cheaper than expected, possibly as low as a veteran minimum deal with incentives. Such a deal would be Cleveland as it is a buy low opportunity for them.

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Injuries are part of the game. There is nothing anyone can do to eliminate them from the game. That said, should Clady return to form and provide solid production, both teams win. Since that has been an issue with him, guaranteeing any success with him is far from certain. According to pro-football-reference.com, Clady only played in two games in 2013, did not play at all in 2015, and only played in nine games last season.

Still, why not sign Clady? Assuming Clady can come into the season and stay healthy, the Browns can continue to develop Coleman and others until they figure out long-term what they want to do at the position.

I highly doubt Cleveland drafts a right tackle during the 2017 NFL Draft. If they do, it won’t be until the fifth round at the earliest. So, instead of being content with what could be at the position, bring in more competition! Adding another option is not going to hurt anything,

Now, could Clady be the long-term answer there and would he be willing to play on the right side? If he can be healthy for the duration of a season again, then yes, Clady could provide that luxury. Given the inconsistent play of late I would not bank on it, but who knows, it could work out.

Also, as one of, if not the best offensive lineman left on the market, Clady does not appear to have much say so on where he plays. His injury background is a key reason why he is still looking for a team. The time has passed with Clady as a reliable left tackle, but when healthy, can help from day one on the other side.

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If Cleveland can land Clady on a veteran minimum (or close to that figure kind of deal), such a move could be very underrated. Assuming they can reach a deal with the lineman and his injuries are behind him, perhaps sooner rather than later fans won’t ask “who are the other right tackle options”?

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