Rasheed Walker #63 of the Green Bay Packers could be a Cleveland Browns target at left tackle.
Getty
Rasheed Walker #63 of the Green Bay Packers could be a Cleveland Browns target at left tackle.
At the outset of free agency, there was no question that the Cleveland Browns would be focused on the rebuilding of the offensive line. The only question was how the team would go about it. Would they try to find multiple shrewd, well-priced signings that would fill the team’s gaps and improve one of the worst units in the league for the short term? Or would they seek a big-time signing at a key position–namely, aiming for top-ranked free-agent lineman Rasheed Walker to play left tackle, and fill in the gaps around him?
From the time the Browns made the trade of a fifth-round pick for right tackle Tytus Howard, though, it became clear that they would make this a piecemeal job. The Browns brought in new guards, and added veteran guard/center Elgton Jenkins, but have left the left tackle position–the most important on the line–unfilled.
But while the Browns have no left tackle, Walker–who was given a market value of $81 million over four years by Spotrac–still has no team. And Jenkins says he thinks the two sides can help each other with that.
Elgton Jenkins on Rasheed Walker: ‘Get Him in a Cleveland Browns Uniform’
Jenkins was introduced to the Browns media on a conference call on Friday, and was asked about the situation with Walker, who is the highest rated free-agent lineman on Pro Football Focus‘ pre-free agency list but who has still not signed a contract.
Jenkins did not hide his preference there. “Hopefully we can get him in a Cleveland Brown uniform,” he said.
He went on to say that he has been there as Walker has matured from a seventh-round pick into a reliable starter at the left tackle spot. “Seeing him mature as a man and as a player, it’s been very special. So, you know, if we can get something done, I am with it. But best of luck to him, wherever that may be,” Jenkins said.
Elgton Jenkins
GettyNew Cleveland Browns lineman Elgton Jenkins
Browns Were Not Going to Pay Rasheed Walker $80 Million
The Browns were not prepared to commit $20 million annually to Walker, and that’s understandable, especially with their draft situation–the Browns have No. 6 and No. 24 in the first round of next month’s draft, which is expected to be strong in the realm of offensive linemen. Their preference has been to draft and develop a player at that spot.
But what if Walker can be had on a much cheaper, one-year commitment?
Adam Schefter of ESPN says that is how things are shaping up for his market: “There were not a lot of teams in the left-tackle market to begin with. Cleveland, Detroit–there were not a lot of teams. I think he is now going to look to a one-year deal, do a one-year deal, put himself in a good situation, go back into the market next year.”
Deal Would Mean Draft Flexibility
Now, that sounds a lot more amenable to the Browns, because bringing on Walker on a low-cost, low-commitment contract opens up many more options for the team. They could still draft a left tackle, but would not be under pressure to play him immediately. Or they could draft the best offensive lineman available, and not be so concerned about his ability to play left tackle.
Or, if Walker is on board, the Browns would be under less pressure to take an offensive lineman at all, certainly not with their two first-rounders. They would then be free to truly take the best player available with those picks, or even trade one for 2027 draft compensation, when there is expected to be a strong quarterback market.
Not wanting a long commitment to Walker makes sense. But pulling him in for a one-year contract sounds too good to pass up.