Jack Conklin, Cleveland Browns
This one meets a handful of my criteria: team history (both in terms of spending habits and positional legacy), positional need, and player demand. Conklin was one of the absolute anchors of the Titans offensive line that tore much of the league to pieces in front of Derrick Henry late last season.
Last season, Conklin started all 16 games at right tackle for the third time in his four NFL seasons, and while he did commit seven penalties and allowed four sacks, much of his value came in the run game. His overall grade of 77.9 by Pro Football Focus dwarfs those of Cleveland’s starting tackles left season; perenially-injured Greg Robinson led the team with 11 penalties while notching a 66.9 on the left side, while Chris Hubbard allowed almost 40 pressures and barely cracked a grade of 50.
Despite another disappointing season, Cleveland actually finished 12th in rushing yards per game with Nick Chubb now commanding the backfield; if they were capable of that level of production with last year’s tackle group, imagine what they can do with Conklin and first-round pick Jedrick Wills now manning Baker Mayfield’s blindside.
Conklin’s signing, paired with drafting Wills, also addresses a major need that goes back several years: despite drafting their supposed franchise quarterback in Mayfield, Cleveland never spent much effort replacing the all-time talent of former/future Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas. A complete revamp of the line was needed in Mayfield’s third year, one in which he will distinctly have to prove that he is the guy they want going forward.
And while Conklin did yield a large contract, his first year cap hit is only $8 million (far below market value for elite tackles). His production will likely only improve in a talented Cleveland offense, and he is entering his age 26 season; if Cleveland likes what they see, Conklin could potentially be wearing the orange and brown for much longer.
Conklin was rumored to be highly in demand by a multitude of teams throughout the league, and Tennessee desperately wanted to keep him; however, with the franchise tag going to Derrick Henry and a new deal in Ryan Tannehill’s pocket, a Conklin contract was just not possible. And now, with Conklin and Wills manning his flanks, Mayfield has no more excuses.