The Cleveland Browns are still looking for a long-term left tackle two years after Joe Thomas’ retirement, but they have at least two big names on their radar before 2020 free agency. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, new general manager Andrew Berry “casts a wide net” to replace outgoing left tackle Greg Robinson, an imminent free agent, and Berry’s potential targets are Jason Peters and Trent Williams.
Peters, who has spent the past 11 years with the Philadelphia Eagles, will test the free market March 18, following the team’s announcement that the two parties had mutually agreed to enter into a free agency without further agreement. Williams, a 10-year veteran of the Washington Redskins, was would have granted permission Thursday to seek an exchange outside D.C.
The Browns, said Cabot, “will explore each” – which means a potential signing of Peters or an exchange for Williams – “as well as all other options in their quest to improve the list and protect Baker Mayfield”.
Williams, in particular, has been linked to Cleveland since the 2019 season. Seven-time pro Bowler who took no shots during his 31-year campaign following a medical dispute with Washington, the former first-round pick has sworn to many never again play for the Redskins and, despite recent communication with new coach Ron Rivera, seems determined to change the scene. The Browns were previously in contact with Washington on a trade-in for Williams, according to reports, and the former All-Pro would probably be one of the safest improvements Cleveland could make this offseason. Williams also has experience with the Browns’ new offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who closed the 2019 season as Washington’s interim head coach.
Peters, 38, is equally, if not more, prolific. Although the six-time All-Pro has struggled to finish games in recent seasons, he has always been a reliable blind blocker on the field, not to mention a beloved locker room presence. Future Hall of Fame who is widely regarded as one of the best linemen in the history of the Eagles, Peters could make sense as a short-term fix for the left tackle in Cleveland. It should be noted that Berry spent 2019 at the Eagles front office, helping to re-sign Peters for an 11th year in Philadelphia.