The Cleveland Browns are once again in a rough salary cap situation heading into the NFL offseason, so there really isn’t much they can do in free agency.
The key for the Browns will be getting younger and quicker at positions of need, and the offensive line is one of their most pivotal areas that need improvement.
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There was a time when Cleveland had one of the strongest offensive lines in football, but age and injuries have resulted in a massive dropoff in production in the trenches for the Browns, so sweeping changes may be needed.
Wyatt Teller, for example, is slated to hit the open market, and while he made three straight Pro Bowls between 2021 and 2023, his play has declined considerably over the last couple of seasons.
However, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox actually feels that Cleveland should do whatever it can to keep Teller going into 2026.
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Wyatt Teller. Credit:Â Ken Blaze-Imagn Images.
“Guard Wyatt Teller is not a luxury the Browns can afford to lose,” Knox wrote. “He and Joel Bitonio are the two most dependable players on an offensive line that needs serious help at the tackle spot. Both are impending free agents, though Bitonio is 34 and may seriously consider retirement.”
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Cleveland signed Teller to a four-year, $56.8 million extension back in November 2021, and while it paid dividends early on, the 31-year-old missed four games due to injury in 2024, and this season, he owns a 60.4 overall grade at Pro Football Focus.
“Teller is a couple of years younger than Bitonio and needs to be in Cleveland’s 2026 plans,” Knox added. “Keeping the three-time Pro Bowler away from free agency would help ensure that the Browns aren’t completely rebuilding their line from scratch.”
To be quite honest, rebuilding the line from scratch may be the best path to pursue for Cleveland given how poorly the unit has played these last two years.
There is no question that Teller was once a terrific player, but re-signing the aging veteran could end up being a major mistake for a team that does not have a whole lot of financial wiggle room as it is.
The Browns should try and rectify their offensive line woes in the NFL Draft.