When the first day of free agency started we wondered about the Cleveland Browns. We wondered what they would do with the $108 million dollars of cap space. They did not hesitate to disappoint. They started the day strong and would make moves all day. Here is a recap of their day.
J.C. Tretter – C
Tretter is formerly of the Green Bay Packers. In 31 games he has 10 starts. He has spent most of his career on the injured list. He was a huge question mark coming into free agency. Will he be able to stay healthy for the Browns? He was given a prove it deal. The Browns gave Tretter a 3-year deal worth $16.75 million dollars. He also was given $10 million in guaranteed money. If he can stay healthy for the Browns this could be a strong signing.
Kenny Britt – WR
Britt came over from the Los Angeles Rams. He was one of the hottest free agent targets at his position. The Cleveland Browns needed a WR after deciding that they were not re-signing Terrelle Pryor. The Browns gave Britt a 4-year contract worth $32.5 million. He was given $17 million in guarantees. He will make an average of $* million/year. Britt will work well with Corey Coleman and Rashard Higgins. If the Browns are able to re-sign Pryor, seems as a stretch, they would have a formidable receiving corp.
[Sean]
Joel Bitonio – G
Bitonio is a 4 year veteran of the Cleveland Browns. With this signing, the Browns took care of one of their own. Bitonio is one of the best young guards in the game. Today he got paid like one. The Cleveland Browns gave Joel Bitonio a 6-year deal worth $51 million. He is guaranteed $23.6 million. He will make an average of $8.5 million per year.
Kevin Zeitler – G
Zeitler is the former Cincinnati Bengal. He signed a 5 year $60 million contract to move across town. With that contract, he was given $31.5 million in guarantees. He will make an average of $12 million/year. The Browns upgraded their offensive line immediately with this signing. There should be no issues protecting whatever QB they want at this time.
Trade – Acquired Brock Osweiler, 2018 2nd Round Pick, and a 2017 6th round pick for a 2017 4th round pick
The Browns pulled off the biggest move of the day with this trade. They took the much maligned QB Brock Osweiler and his overpaid contract off the hands of the Houston Texans. Also, for nothing more than a 4th round pick. Osweiler is not expected to stay with the Cleveland Browns. This is often the type of trade you see in the NBA. A team takes on the contract of the player they have no intention of keeping. They do it simply because they have the cap room and it will not hurt the new team. The Browns are expected to try and package the extra picks for QB Jimmy Garappolo.
On the day the Cleveland Browns made tremendous moves. They upgraded their roster and spent some of the $108 million wisely. Next step will see how they handle their 2 1st round draft picks. Could we honestly talk about the Browns trending towards the playoffs? Stay tuned.
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