Browns Face Crucial Offseason in Rebuilding Offensive Line
While much of the attention in Cleveland has been on the Browns’ ongoing quarterback situation-and let’s be honest, that’s still a major storyline-there’s another issue looming just as large: the offensive line. Four of the team’s five starters are set to hit free agency, and the depth chart behind them doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. In short, this unit is on the verge of a full-scale rebuild, and the front office knows it.
That’s why most league insiders expect the Browns to invest heavily in their offensive line this offseason, both through the draft and free agency. One lineman in the first round?
That’s almost a given. But that alone won’t plug all the holes.
Cleveland is going to have to open the checkbook if they want to keep their offense functional in 2026.
Team insider Mary Kay Cabot offered some insight into what that approach might look like. Speaking on Sports4CLE, she suggested the Browns are preparing to make a serious push for top-tier talent in the trenches.
“They’ll probably acquire some [veteran offensive linemen],” Cabot said. “They’re not going to load up on a bunch of 30-year-olds like they did one year.
This team is being built for the future, and it’s built for sustainable success. If that would happen to be center or anywhere else along the offensive line, you’re going to have to be creative on how you rebuild that offensive line.
Sometimes, it’s easier to get an established guy than to make a mistake on someone in the draft.”
That’s a key point. Drafting a lineman-especially early-always carries risk.
Getting a proven veteran, even at a premium, can offer more immediate stability. And with the Browns trying to stay competitive in a tough AFC North, they don’t have time for trial-and-error development up front.
Cap Space Is Tight, But There Are Workarounds
Of course, none of this comes cheap. According to Over The Cap, the Browns currently have just $3.2 million in available cap space.
That’s not going to land a top-tier lineman. But Cleveland has options, including the potential to restructure Deshaun Watson’s contract-something that could free up as much as $35 million.
If they go that route, the Browns could be in play for a big-name free agent like Tyler Linderbaum. The standout center would be a natural replacement for Ethan Pocic and already has familiarity with new head coach Todd Monken and offensive line coach George Warhop.
The catch? He’s currently with the Ravens, and Baltimore could slap the franchise tag on him.
Another intriguing name is Rasheed Walker. At 26, he fits the Browns’ timeline perfectly, and he’s coming off a breakout season with the Packers. Spotrac pegs his market value at $20.2 million per year, which is steep-but for a long-term solution at tackle, it might be worth the investment.
On the draft side, one name to watch is Francis Mauigoa. If Cleveland decides to go offensive line at No. 6 overall, Mauigoa could be their right tackle of the future. He’s big, athletic, and plays with the kind of edge that fits the AFC North style.
Protecting the QB Is Priority No. 1
Yes, the Browns still need help at wide receiver. But none of that matters if they can’t protect whoever’s under center and open up lanes for the run game.
This offensive line rebuild isn’t just a luxury-it’s a necessity. And if that means spending big or making bold moves, so be it.
This offseason is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent memory for Cleveland. With major decisions looming on the offensive line, the front office has a chance to lay the foundation for a more stable, sustainable offense. But they’ll have to get it right-and they’ll have to get moving soon.