Winner: Browns unveil first steps in long-term strategy
It’s been somewhat of a mystery what the Moneyball crew in Cleveland had up its sleeve as a long-term plan since Sashi Brown and Co. took over in the personnel department in January of 2016.
We got a taste of what was deemed important when the Browns traded for and then re-signed linebacker Jamie Collins, previously a member of the New England Patriots.
Then, in a bit of a surprising move, receiver Terrelle Pryor was deemed as expendable. And in the end it seems the rest of the NFL agreed to a degree (more on that in a bit).
When free agency opened up, so also did the personnel play book of Brown and Co.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio was given a massive extension that includes $23 million guaranteed. Then Kevin Zeitler was signed to a huge deal worth up to $60 million with $31.5 million guaranteed. On top of that, center J.C. Tretter — a starter for the Green Bay Packers last year before suffering an injury — signed a three-year deal.
The interior of Cleveland’s offensive line now resembles a 6,000-pound rhinoceros on 25 cups of coffee (aka the Sylvester Stallone diet).
Clearly, the Browns are building from the inside out on both side of the ball. The next step, of course, is landing that ever-elusive franchise quarterback and providing him with weapons to thrive. And if they don’t feel he’s going to be found this year in the draft, then landing Myles Garrett at No. 1 and building up the rest of the roster goes hand in hand with that strategy.
Furthermore, if that’s the case, then letting Brock Osweiler do what he does best will only further help their cause in landing another high pick in 2018.
It’s going to be fascinating to see what happens next.