Cleveland Browns: Jason Peters most viable option DePodesta’s O-Line problem
The Cleveland Browns plan to invest in their O-Line, and with analytics guru Paul DePodesta dictating strategy, Jason Peters may be the most viable option.
With the Cleveland Browns looking to invest in their offensive line this offseason, Philadelphia Eagles free agent Jason Peters may be the most viable for Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta.
Jack Conklin, 26, is name the Dawg Pound wants to see connected to the Browns in free agency, while Redskins tackle Trent Williams looks like a tempting piece of fruit on the trade market.
Peters, though, would be a plug-and-play left tackle, while drafting a tackle of the future would still be on the table with the 10th overall pick in this spring’s NFL Draft. His presence would afford either Tristan Wirfs or Mechi Becton to get their feet wet on the right side, while Peters helps the Browns win now by protecting Baker Mayfield‘s blind side.
As DePodesta’s concerned, Peters makes sense because a two-year deal–for the right price–probably gets the veteran signed. A short-term pact doesn’t tie a lot of money up in the offensive line, which is important to consider since the Browns have to start plotting out which members of their core get a big contract extension.
By the time that money impacts the salary cap, Peters will be gone and the Browns will be paying the left tackle they picked in this year’s draft an amount commensurable with his draft slot.
As for Williams, DePodesta probably wouldn’t mind paying Williams his $12.5 million, except for the fact that Cleveland would have to give up something to get him, and that goes against Chief Strategy’s beliefs.
The Redskins are reportedly asking for a first or second round, which is an absurd ask of a guy who’s been out with injury and hasn’t played since 2018. If the Redskins are willing to consider a third-round pick, of which the Browns have two, then perhaps a deal can be made.
Next. Re-visiting the Oliver Vernon trade one year later. dark
That said, Cleveland would have to give up nothing besides cash to land Peters, who graded out as Pro Football Focus’ sixth best tackle in 2019.