The Cleveland Browns have officially released veteran offensive tackle Jack Conklin, marking a significant shift in the team's offensive line strategy as they continue to reshape the roster for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
Conklin's release was confirmed on March 12, 2026, effectively ending his six-year tenure with the Browns. Acquired in 2020 on a high-profile three-year, $42 million free agent contract, Conklin was initially brought in to strengthen the Browns' offensive front. His early impact was impressive; he earned First-Team All-Pro honors in his first season and played a pivotal role in the Browns' run to the AFC Divisional Round by providing robust pass protection and run blocking at right tackle.
Unfortunately, Conklin's time with Cleveland was marred by injuries in the subsequent seasons. A torn patellar tendon in 2021 sidelined him significantly, and although he returned in 2022, lingering physical setbacks continued to affect his availability. The 2023 season saw further knee problems that kept the talented tackle off the field for extended periods. These injuries limited his ability to perform as a consistent presence, a critical factor for a position that demands durability and reliability.
Financial considerations played a key role in the Browns' decision. Conklin's contract was restructured in March 2025, reducing his base salary to $10 million for the 2025 season with $9 million guaranteed, and incorporating up to $2 million in incentives. His restructured deal moved his free agency status from 2027 to 2026, signaling that the Browns would evaluate his future with the team closely. By releasing him in early March 2026, the Browns freed up substantial salary cap space to pursue other roster needs. This cap flexibility will allow General Manager Andrew Berry to address multiple positions, whether through free agency, trades, or re-signing key contributors.
The departure of Conklin leaves a significant void at right tackle, a position critical to protecting quarterback Deshaun Watson (#4) and enabling the Browns' run-heavy offensive scheme. The Browns appear poised to promote from within, with Dawand Jones, a massive and talented second-year player, expected to compete aggressively for the starting right tackle job. Jones showed promise during his rookie campaign before an injury cut his season short, and the 2026 season offers him an opportunity to solidify his role on the offensive line.
Additionally, James Hudson III provides depth and versatility, having filled in at multiple tackle positions in recent years. The Browns are also expected to be active in the offseason market, potentially adding veteran free agents or targeting offensive line talent in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster competition and depth at tackle.
Jack Conklin's release is both a sobering and pragmatic decision. When healthy, he was among the NFL's elite at his position, and his professionalism and resilience through multiple difficult rehabilitations earned respect from teammates and coaches alike. However, the physical toll of repeated injuries forced the Browns to make a business-driven choice, balancing performance with salary cap management and roster balance.
The offensive line remains a cornerstone for the Browns' aspirations. Anchored on the left by longtime stalwart Joel Bitonio (#75) and promising left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., the line will undergo a transition on the right side. How the Browns navigate this next phase--via internal development and external acquisitions--will significantly shape their offensive identity in the upcoming season.
As the Browns embark on this new chapter, the impetus is clear: build a more resilient and competitive offensive line that can sustain the grind of an NFL season and protect their franchise quarterback. The release of Jack Conklin signals both the end of an era and the beginning of a strategic rebuild, underscoring the challenges and opportunities inherent in constructing a championship-caliber roster.
The 2026 offseason promises to be pivotal for Cleveland's offensive front, with the Conklin departure a defining moment in that process.