The Cleveland Browns played a playoff game last month without their top three offensive tackles, which is something they cannot afford to repeat in 2024.
Starting correctly. Jack Conklin is a cut candidate following another season-ending injury, and starting left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. was one of the NFL’s worst performers at the position last year, according to Pro Football Focus. Dawand Jones was a surprise in his first season, but he is still growing. Cleveland definitely needs to address the depth on the outside of their line this offseason, but salary cap issues may limit its ability to do so.
Perhaps the best solution is to take a chance on a player like Green Bay Packers’ David Bakhtiari. The five-time All-Pro has only appeared in 13 games over the last three seasons due to knee problems, but he is an outstanding player when he is on the field. With a $40 million cap hit in 2024, he is almost certain to be cut, with Green Bay able to clear $21 million by handing him the axe.
If the Packers do this, Bakhtiari will be a free agent, able to sign any contract with any team in the league. His first choice would most likely be a reunion with quarterback Aaron Rodgers with the New York Jets, who could use another great offensive lineman.
However, if that does not happen, the Browns provide an opportunity for Bakhtiari — who has never played in a Super Bowl — to join a playoff-caliber club looking to win immediately.
David Bakhtiari represents insurance policies for tackle-needy teams like as the Browns.
On Monday, February 5, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named Bakhtiari as one of a few possible cap casualties whose free agency could benefit specific teams. He compared the Packers’ tackle to Cleveland in this sense.
Bakhtiari must demonstrate that he is healthy and can stay that way before he can be considered a bargain by another team.
Bakhtiari has been a Pro Bowl-caliber lineman when healthy, so he could potentially aid a team significantly if he becomes available. … The Washington Commanders lost 65 sacks in 2023 and will most likely be looking to protect a new quarterback next season. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns lost their top three tackles to injury in 2023 and may want an insurance policy coming into the summer.
If Jedrick Wills is healthy, David Bakhtiari would most likely take the starting left tackle job.
With Conklin likely leaving Cleveland, Jones is expected to take over as the starting right tackle. A healthy Bakhtiari would be the best player at the position on either side, potentially pushing Wills out of the starting lineup entirely.
One probable scenario is that Wills and Jones compete for the other starting role. Given the previous injury histories of all three players, it’s a safe bet that if all three are on the roster in 2024, each will start on one side of the line or the other before the season ends.
It’s unknown what Bakhtiari’s contract will be, but the 32-year-old is unlikely to get more than one guaranteed year anyplace he goes — at least until he demonstrates his ability to stay fit. As such, Bakhtairi should be considered if the Browns want him and can break up his genuine bromance with Rodgers.
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