Cleveland Browns miss on top free agent option at important position of need, but it comes with a bit of good news
The Browns are not signing C Tyler Linderbaum, but it’s not such a bad thing after first glance.
NFL free agency is off and running around the league, and the Cleveland Browns are a team that hasn’t made a move yet at the time of this article.
The Browns have several needs that’ll need to be addressed in free agency, especially along the offensive line. One of the players Cleveland has been most connected to just flew off the board, but it’s not such a bad thing.
Tyler Linderbaum signing with the Raiders over Brown isn’t the worst news
Cleveland has been a team connected to former Baltimore Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum, but he’s set to head elsewhere in the AFC. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Linderbaum has agreed to sign a four-year deal worth $81 million with Las Vegas.
Right off the bat, $27 million per season is a number the Browns shouldn’t have been comfortable with. Kansas City Chiefs C Creed Humphrey’s $18 million APY was the previous high mark and this deal blew by that one by $9 million.
Linderbaum is one of the best centers in the NFL and would have been a nice upgrade for Cleveland’s offensive line. But with where the Browns stand with their cap space, this deal made no sense at the price point.
Cleveland has the connection of HC Todd Monken which made the Browns feel like a fit due to his time in Baltimore with Linderbaum. Now, the Browns will have to look elsewhere for their starting center. Cleveland may give the job to Luke Wypler, who is already on the roster. But the Browns have to add at the position and at least have a camp battle.
Linderbaum leaving the Ravens and the AFC North is good news for Cleveland. One less premium-level offensive lineman to protect Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson is good news for the Browns and their pass rush.
With the free agent options at center already drying up, the Browns will need to address the position soon if they hope to do so during free agency.
Cleveland Browns News
Predicting the free agent signings the Cleveland Browns will make in NFL free agency with the legal tampering period here
The Browns have an important week ahead with the construction of its roster through free agency.
