The Cleveland Browns have a quarterback conundrum, sure-but that might not even be their biggest issue heading into 2026. The more pressing concern?
The offensive line. Or more accurately, the lack of one.
With four of five starters set to hit free agency and Dawand Jones returning from injury with a giant question mark hanging over his health, the Browns are staring down the barrel of a full-blown O-line rebuild. And in a league where even elite quarterbacks crumble without protection, this isn’t a side quest-it’s the main mission.
The challenge? Cleveland’s cap space is tight.
That means big-money signings are unlikely, and the Browns will need to get creative. Think draft picks, bargain-bin free agents, and maybe a few under-the-radar moves that could pay off big.
Luckily, new head coach Todd Monken might have a few tricks up his sleeve-especially when it comes to linemen he already knows well.
Monken’s Georgia Connection Could Be a Game-Changer
Todd Monken’s time at Georgia wasn’t just about winning national titles (though he did that, too). It was about building dominant offensive lines-and that familiarity could serve Cleveland well as they look to retool.
Let’s take a look at three potential targets with Georgia roots who could help the Browns patch up their trenches.
Xavier Truss - A Familiar Face with Upside
Xavier Truss might not be a household name, but he’s a two-time national champion who played under Monken at Georgia-and he’s got the kind of versatility that could be invaluable to a team in transition.
After bouncing between the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent, Truss is a long shot to stick on the Saints’ 53-man roster in 2026. But that doesn’t mean he’s without value. He played both guard and tackle in college, and his 88.6% pass-block win rate in his final season, per Pro Football Focus, shows he can hold his own in protection.
He’s not a plug-and-play starter, but for a team that needs depth and flexibility on a budget, Truss is worth a close look. He knows Monken’s system, he’s coachable, and he won’t cost much-exactly the kind of low-risk, high-upside pickup the Browns could use.
Jamaree Salyer - A Steady Hand with Starting Experience
Jamaree Salyer might not have lit the world on fire with the Chargers, but he’s been a solid contributor-and he’s about to hit free agency. With Los Angeles likely headed for a full offensive line overhaul, Salyer could be looking for a fresh start. Reuniting with Monken might be just the move.
His pass-blocking grade of 68.2 (46th in the league, per PFF) tells the story of a player who’s not elite but capable. And for a Browns team dealing with uncertainty around Dawand Jones, that kind of reliability matters. Salyer could serve as a dependable backup or even step into a starting role if needed.
He’s got the experience, he knows Monken’s style, and he’s not going to break the bank. That’s a win-win-win for a team trying to stretch every dollar.
Broderick Jones - A High-Ceiling Swing
This one’s a little trickier. Broderick Jones was a first-round pick by the Steelers and looked like a future cornerstone at tackle.
But after a season-ending injury and some developmental hiccups, Pittsburgh may be ready to move on. They’re reportedly unlikely to pick up his fifth-year option.
Now, in-division trades are rare, especially when it comes to young talent. But if the Steelers decide to cut bait, the Browns should be ready to pounce.
Jones was shuffled from right tackle to left tackle and never had the chance to settle in behind a consistent unit. That’s not necessarily a reflection of his talent-it’s more about the situation he was thrown into. He’s still got starter potential, and a change of scenery might be exactly what he needs.
If Cleveland can land him at a discount-whether via trade or if he hits the open market-they’d be getting a young, athletic tackle with room to grow. That’s the kind of bet you make when you’re trying to rebuild a line without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: The Browns Can’t Afford to Miss
The Browns don’t just need to patch a few holes-they need to rebuild the foundation. Protecting the quarterback, whoever that ends up being, starts with getting the offensive line right.
Todd Monken’s Georgia connections could be a hidden advantage in that process. Whether it’s bringing in familiar faces like Truss and Salyer or taking a swing on a talented but underdeveloped player like Broderick Jones, Cleveland has options.
Now it’s about making the right moves-and doing it fast. Because in today’s NFL, if you can’t protect the pocket, you don’t stand a chance.