The Browns started off the pre-season right with the Jack Conklin decision

Jack Conklin is restructuring his contract with the Cleveland Browns for 2022.

The Cleveland Browns have agreed to a contract restructuring with right tackle Jack Conklin. Conklin’s deal was originally set for $12 million, non-guaranteed dollars for the upcoming season but the new contract reduces the cap-hit to $8 million, all guaranteed, with another $4 million in contract incentives.

The new deal is being described as “mutually beneficial” by Camryn Justice. That’s a very accurate way of looking at this situation, considering Conklin is on the mend.

Conklin is still dealing with the recovery of his patellar tendon from last season, having money guaranteed to him will be huge in his recovery, as it takes some of the pressure off that he may be cut. He’ll also have a chance to make all of his money back assuming he comes back healthy.

Considering the injury, he’s expected to be out 6-to-12 months based on the surgery and any lingering complications from the surgery or rehab. He could be ready to go by June, or as late as the autumn.

His return and his level of play will be imperative for the team going forward, as he’s arguably the best all-around linemen the team has.

Jack Conklin’s restructuring is a good sign for fans of the Cleveland Browns

The Browns have a few players who were targets for restructuring this offseason. It’s all but a guarantee that one of them, Browns receiver Jarvis Landry is on his way out. He doesn’t seem keen on taking less money, he’s very much in team-Odell Beckham Jr. and has liked many social media posts that either directly or indirectly take shots at Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield, and despite his claims that he wants to stay with the Browns, he’s not doing anything to further guarantee that.

It feels more lip service than anything.

Conklin and Landry seem settled but the third name on that list, JC Tretter, is still in a holding pattern of sorts. No one knows yet if he’ll be re-signed, restructured, or cut. Though all three seem very realistic at this juncture.

Yet, if Tretter is agreeing to things, then it may be likely that Tretter could as well. That would be a great thing, as Tretter has brought stability to the center position that the franchise often hasn’t had, and with no obvious or real depth behind him to ensure a steady transition, keeping Tretter makes the most sense to avoid any type of chemistry issues on the line for 2022.