Browns should look into signing ex-Cowboys veteran tackle if Jedrick Wills issues continue
Cleveland Browns have an issue at left tackle that is either going to solve itself short-term or long-term. Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing the worst football of his career and it is noticeably hurting the Browns. Wills has already had his fifth-year option picked up that is fully guaranteed, so it would be much easier […]
Cleveland Browns have an issue at left tackle that is either going to solve itself short-term or long-term.
Jedrick Wills Jr. is playing the worst football of his career and it is noticeably hurting the Browns.
Wills has already had his fifth-year option picked up that is fully guaranteed, so it would be much easier if he would return to at least the average level of play he’s been at the last three seasons. You could argue that he was above average as a rookie.
If Wills doesn’t turn it around, the Browns will have to look at other options on the roster or elsewhere. One option out there is veteran tackle La’el Collins. Collins is healthy from the ACL/MCL injury he suffered last season with the Cincinnati Bengals and could be signed over the next month.
After spending the previous six seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Collins signed a 3-year deal worth $21 million with the Bengals. The Bengals released Collins from the physically unable-to-perform list — he had to miss the first four games at least due to being on the list. It was a move that saved the Bengals $7 million.
Now that he’s healthy, Collins could be a plug-and-play guy. He is no longer the guy the Cowboys gave a big contract to but he should be at least suitable and fresh. Collins could come in and be better than Wills right away.
Collins has played both tackle spots and left guard in his career. Cleveland could get crazy and move rookie Dawand Jones to left tackle, though that seems like more of an offseason project.
At 30 years old, Collins could have a couple more years in him at least. Any deal that he signs will be a one-year deal from here on out. Coming off the injury, he’s not going to carry a heavy price tag.
The Browns could opt to bench Wills for James Hudson if the play continues. General manager Andrew Berry has always been adamant about checking into every avenue, so you know he will at least see where Collins stands.
The top 5 highest graded Browns’ players at the bye week
A look at who has graded out the best for Cleveland through four games.
