After Cleveland Browns left tackle, Greg Robinson, was reportedly arrested on a drug charge on Wednesday, the team looks like it’ll be in the market for a new left tackle this offseason.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is reporting that the team doesn’t plan on re-signing Robinson this offseason, and he believes the Browns should target Tennessee Titans right tackle, Jack Conklin, in free agency.
Browns will not be re-signing Greg Robinson. Their first call in free agency should be to Jack Conklin, one of the most captivating free agents in the eyes of NFL sources. Time to adequately protect Baker. https://t.co/rHYwiBfx5q
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 20, 2020
Prior to the 2019 campaign, the Titans declined to pick up Conklin’s fifth-year option, resulting in him becoming a free agent this offseason.
After battling knee issues the past few seasons, Conklin came on strong in 2019 and was one of the better right tackles in the sport. As a result, he’s likely to command big money in free agency.
On the surface, it would seem odd that the Titans would let Conklin walk given the year he just had, but there is an injury history to be concerned about when considering whether or not to give Conklin a long-term deal.
On top of that, the Titans could simply choose to re-sign swing tackle, Dennis Kelly, who has proven his worth as a starter in the NFL and would be a much cheaper option.
Cost is important here for the Titans, as general manager Jon Robinson has to consider paying both quarterback Ryan Tannehill and running back Derrick Henry, on top of the need to bring in a pass-rusher in free agency.
Because of the demand for quality offensive linemen, the price tag for Conklin could be an amount the Titans simply aren’t willing to match given their current circumstances.
The Browns potentially pursuing Conklin makes sense for the most part, given that he’s one of the better offensive lineman available this offseason.
However, Conklin has spent almost all of his time in the NFL playing right tackle, so a transition to the left side will be a risky proposition. There’s simply no telling how well Conklin would do playing left tackle and if his performance will be worth the money spent on bringing him in.