In the 2023 season, the Cleveland Browns faced numerous challenges but managed to secure the..
In the 2023 season, the Cleveland Browns faced numerous challenges but managed to secure the top Wild Card spot, finishing with an 11-6 record despite fielding five different quarterbacks. Although the season was one of the franchise’s best, their journey came to an abrupt end during Super Wild Card Weekend when they were eliminated by the Houston Texans. Despite the disappointing exit, the overall campaign was considered a success.
As the Browns approach the 2024 NFL offseason, their focus is on making necessary upgrades to sustain their progress. Dealing with multiple season-ending injuries to key contributors, especially on the offensive line, presents a major concern. Head coach Kevin Stefanski was forced to tap into the team’s depth due to these injuries, emphasizing the need to address depth issues as a top priority.
Left tackle Jack Conklin, whose 2023 season was cut short by another significant injury, may become a cap casualty as the team seeks financial flexibility. While Jedrick Wills Jr. struggled, rookie Dewand Jones emerged as a surprising contributor. With limited financial resources, the Browns must employ creative solutions to bolster their depth, potentially taking calculated risks on players with high-risk, high-reward potential available at a reasonable cost.
According to Max Dible of Heavy, one player fitting this profile is David Bakhtiari, the long-time left tackle for the Green Bay Packers. Although an elite producer when on the field, Bakhtiari has struggled with injuries, playing in only one game during the 2023 season and facing similar challenges in previous years. The Packers are likely to part ways with Bakhtiari due to his substantial cap hit of approximately $40 million, with a potential savings of $21 million. Despite the inherent risk of adding another injury-prone player to the offensive line, financial constraints may compel the Browns to consider such a calculated risk.
