According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, right tackle Jack Conklin and the Cleveland Browns agreed to a revised contract which allows Conklin to become a free agent in 2026 as opposed to 2027. The new deal pays $10 million-he's guaranteed $9 million and has the opportunity to earn up to $2 million more in incentives. The OBR's very own Jack Duffin had predicted such a move back in November-down to the incentives added, year removed, and total guarantees. Conklin should continue to be the starting right tackle when healthy.
Veteran RT Jack Conklin and #Browns agreed to a revised contract that keeps him in Cleveland.
Deal removes a year — he’s now a 2026 free agent instead of 2027 — and pays $10M ($9M guaranteed) with the chance to earn extra $2M in incentives. Deal negotiated by Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/zLKFcu7JbV
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 13, 2025
With this move, the Browns secure a solid veteran tackle who should be their starter when week one rolls around in September. The team added Cornelius Lucas but I expect him to be more of a swing tackle or cover the left tackle spot. The Browns still also still have faith in Dawand Jones, and now he can fully recover from his injury without the pressure of starting right away. If Lucas is the swing tackle, the Browns could also shift the line around and put Jones on the right side and Conklin on the left, where he practiced last year before suffering an injury. Basically, this move helps the Browns by giving them options along the line while they determine the best combination before the new league year starts.
Revising Conklin's deal does not mean the team should wait until next year to find their next starting right tackle. While Dawand Jones has had flashes, he cannot seem to stay healthy. He was also a fourth round pick; you can absolutely find starters in the late rounds, but it is not common. He may just be a player who will be inconsistent throughout his career. The Browns have ten picks in the upcoming draft-they should strongly consider drafting at least two tackle and/or guard prospects. This team is one of the oldest in the league and Conklin, like most of the offensive line, is one of the reasons why. Draft his protégé this year and let him see what he can earn as a last contract for his career.
The Browns also free up some cap space with this move. We won't know the exact amount until the incentives are reported, but they've given themselves a bit more wiggle room going forward. Could it be to help acquire another veteran quarterback as they work to completely overhaul that room? Possibly. They just met with Russell Wilson and have their eye on Kirk Cousins-freeing up cash could help secure their services. The team also needs cap space to sign their incoming rookies at the end of April, so this move could serve to build a buffer so they aren't completely strapped for cash after those signings.