CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns signed a starting-caliber guard on Thursday despite the fact they have two All-Pros at the position, and re-signed a cornerback for depth.
Signed to a one-year contract is fifth-year guard Teven Jenkins, a second-round pick of the Bears in 2021 out of Oklahoma State who’s started for them the past three seasons at left tackle, left guard and right guard. Last season, he started 14 games at left guard, ranking 13th in the NFL among qualifying guards, according to Pro Football Focus.
For comparison’s sake, Browns five-time All-Pro left guard Joel Bitonio was ranked 41st, and Teller 45th last season by PFF.
The cornerback is Tony Brown, who first signed with the Browns last March after the Colts waived him. Brown appeared in six games last season, recording five special teams tackles and one forced fumble.
So what does Jenkins’ signing mean for the Browns current guards? Both are heading into the final year of contracts, with Bitonio deciding two weeks ago to return for a 12th season instead of retiring. After coming so close to hanging it up, this could be his last season.
Jenkins, 27, could challenge for a starting role next season if the Browns re-sign him.
Teller, 30, is in the final year of a four-year deal that averages $14.2 million a year, and the Browns will likely talk to him sometime between now and the start of training camp about an extension.
With Bitonio turning 34 in October and Teller 31 in November, the Browns must protect themselves against injuries as well as planning for the future. They’ve done the same thing at tackle, signing unrestricted free agent Cornelius Lucas, formerly of the Commanders, as depth behind Jack Conklin and Dawand Jones.
The offensive line signings means the Browns’ new quarterback, possibly a rookie, should be very well-protected this season. The linemen will also have a new position coach in Mike Bloomgren, who worked under Bill Callahan earlier in his career and will employ some of the same blocking schemes.
_This story will be updated._
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