The winds of change are blowing through Berea, sweeping away a foundational piece of the Cleveland Browns' offensive line. In a move signaling a definitive pivot, the Browns released former All-Pro offensive tackle Jack Conklin on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
This decision, while not entirely unexpected given Cleveland's financial landscape, marks the end of a significant chapter for a player instrumental in stabilizing the team's right side upon his arrival. Conklin's release is a central component of a broader roster overhaul as the Browns position themselves for the 2026 season, a maneuver that immediately creates substantial salary cap flexibility.
The End of an Era on the Right Side
Jack Conklin's tenure in Cleveland began with great fanfare during the 2020 offseason when he signed a three-year, $42 million deal. Brought in to be the rock-solid bookend opposite Jedrick Wills Jr., Conklin was, for a time, exactly that.
In his first season wearing the orange and brown, Conklin earned Second-Team All-Pro honors, playing a crucial role in paving the way for a dominant rushing attack and providing reliable quarterback protection. His powerful, road-grading style epitomized the ideal right tackle the franchise had long sought.
However, the latter years of Conklin's time in Cleveland were dominated by recurring injuries. A ruptured patellar tendon suffered in 2021 was a catastrophic setback, requiring a lengthy and arduous rehabilitation process. Although he courageously returned to the field, subsequent knee issues and other ailments limited his availability and sometimes his effectiveness. The player who once dominated with consistency was forced to miss significant stretches, leaving a void the team often struggled to adequately fill.
Financial implications played a decisive role in this release. Conklin was scheduled to carry a hefty cap number into the 2026 league year. By designating him as a post-June 1 cut, the Browns can spread the remaining dead money from his contract, converting a major cap liability into immediate and usable space. This financial breathing room is critical for a team navigating cap constraints while striving to maintain a championship-caliber roster.
The Ripple Effect and the Road Ahead
Releasing a player of Conklin's caliber, even at this stage of his career, creates a sizable hole at right tackle. For years, when healthy, Conklin was the unquestioned starter on the right edge of the line. His departure throws the position wide open as the Browns enter the new league year and prepare for the NFL Draft.
The Browns have internal options. James Hudson III, who has frequently filled in during Conklin's absences over recent seasons, will likely get the first opportunity to secure the starting job in offseason workouts. Hudson has shown flashes of promise but has been inconsistent, particularly in pass protection against elite pass rushers.
Another option could be moving versatile lineman Dawand Jones to tackle if his development suggests such a switch would benefit the team. However, this would create depth challenges elsewhere on the offensive line.
More realistically, this move signals the Browns' intentions in free agency and the draft. With significant cap space now available, General Manager Andrew Berry has the cap flexibility to pursue veteran starters in the tackle market. Several experienced players are expected to hit free agency, and the Browns could target a proven short-term solution to bridge the gap.
Alternatively, the team could leverage one of its premium draft selections--potentially a first-round pick--to secure a long-term, cost-controlled answer at the position. This approach would align with the natural lifecycle of an NFL roster, refreshing core pieces as older veterans phase out.
The Browns invested heavily in Conklin during the peak of his powers, helping elevate the franchise from mediocrity to contender status. Now, as the roster ages and salary cap demands difficult choices, the team must get younger and more economical at premium positions. Letting go of a respected veteran like Conklin is painful but necessary roster management.
Conklin's Legacy and Next Steps
For Jack Conklin, this release opens the door to free agency after six seasons in the NFL, including four full years with the Browns. He will turn 33 years old during the 2026 season, presenting a compelling evaluation challenge for prospective teams. They must weigh his undeniable pedigree and prior All-Pro-level play against his recent injury history.
When healthy, Conklin remains a starting-caliber tackle capable of bolstering a team's run game and holding his own in pass protection. He is likely to attract interest from contenders needing a veteran presence or franchises with young quarterbacks seeking a steady influence on their offensive line.
A one- or two-year "prove-it" deal, loaded with playing-time incentives, seems the most probable outcome. His professionalism, work ethic, and experience will be valued assets in any locker room.
In Cleveland, Conklin's legacy will be one of both promise and frustration. He fulfilled the expectations of his initial contract by playing at a high level, helping establish a physical offensive identity. Browns fans will recall the 2020 season fondly when the offensive line, anchored by Conklin, was arguably the league's best.
They will also lament the cruel timing of injuries that prevented him from building consistent long-term success.
Conclusion
The release of Jack Conklin is more than a routine transaction. It symbolizes a turning point, closing a chapter on a key acquisition of the Berry-Stefanski era and forcing the Browns to address a vital position. The salary cap space created is a vital tool, but the pressure is on the front office to deploy it wisely.
Finding a competent right tackle replacement is not just an offseason item; it is a mandatory step to keep Cleveland's championship window open in 2026 and beyond. The post-Conklin era begins now, and its success will significantly shape the Browns' fortunes in the coming years.