The Cleveland Browns are surely looking to revamp the most talent-stricken roster in the NFL heading into free agency. Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that Cleveland will sign former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Kenny Britt. That moves gives head coach Hue Jackson and Co. another 1,000-yard receiver should Terrelle Pryor depart in free agency.
Cleveland is now turning its attention to an offensive line that struggled big time last season.
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Browns will sign guard Kevin Zeitler to a contract worth north of $10 million per season.
The #Browns are signing guard Kevin Zeitler to a massive contract, more than $10M per year, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2017
Zeitler, a former first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals, has been a Pro Bowl-caliber performer in his first five seasons in the NFL. During that span, the Wisconsin product has started 71 of a possible 80 games, including 16 in each of the past two years.
He was the top interior offensive lineman available in free agency, and gives the Browns another solid building block along the offensive line.
This moves comes mere hours after Cleveland locked up fellow guard Joel Bitonio on a five-year, $51 million extension. Needless to say, Cleveland is looking to build the trenches as its rebuilding project itself continues.