The Cleveland Browns must make difficult decisions in the coming months, and one of the hardest could involve the decision to cut former first-round pick Jack Conklin. A two-time All-Pro, injuries limited Conklin to just 13 games over the past two seasons, and he wasn’t quite the same when on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, Conklin’s 66.2 PFF grade last year ranked 44th out of 81 eligible tackles. While he’s still a starting-caliber player when healthy, that may not be enough to save his job.
Bleacher Report recently released an article highlighting the top cut candidates on each team, and Conklin’s name was at the top of the list. The Deshaun Watson contract has put Cleveland into a terrible situation, as they’re currently $30 million over the projected salary cap and must find ways to come into cap compliance before the 2025 league year. One such method could involve parting ways with their starting right tackle, as cutting him will save $4.6 million in cap space. While his time in Cleveland may be over, teams like the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs should target him if he becomes available.
“Conklin’s injury history and Dawant Jones’ ability to take over at right tackle make Conklin a likely cap casualty.”
Browns “Likely” To Cut Jack Conklin – Tackle Could Land With Saints, Chiefs
No matter who the New Orleans Saints hire, their next head coach must do something about the offensive line situation. Whether or not the team trades Derek Carr, no quarterback will survive behind this tattered offensive line. First-round pick Taliese Fuaga played well as a rookie, but the right tackle position is still a nightmare. Ryan Ramczyk effectively declared his retirement with his latest contract restructure, and the team cannot afford to send Trevor Penning out for another season.
Jack Conklin is an ideal choice if cut, as the veteran is a natural right tackle who should slide seamlessly into a starting role. Even if he cannot recapture his previous form, finding league-average play will be a considerable upgrade from last year. From a salary cap standpoint, the Saints can probably minimize his cap hit by including playtime incentives in his contract. General Manager Mickey Loomis refuses to rebuild, so fixing the offensive line should be the first step in getting this team back to the postseason.
More Help For Mahomes
The Kansas City Chiefs made the AFC Championship Game with guard Joe Thuney subbing in as the emergency left tackle. After trying to get by with Donovan Smith in 2023, the team desperately tried to find an adequate replacement in 2024. Second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia couldn’t get the job done, Wanya Morris continued to disappoint, and free agent signee D.J. Humphries couldn’t stay healthy. Perhaps Mahomes and company can win another Super Bowl in spite of this uncertainty, but it must be addressed in the offseason.
Jack Conklin historically plays right tackle, but the cut candidate spent some time on the left side early in his career. Switching sides shouldn’t be too hard for the veteran, although it might not be the ideal solution. Alternatively, Kansas City originally signed Jawaan Taylor to play left tackle. Perhaps they move him to the left side and keep Conklin at right tackle in 2025.
Main Photo: Isaiah J. Downing – USA Today Sports
