Browns' Starting Center Could Already Be on Roster

Cleveland may not need to target a top free agent center after late-season injury

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns may not need to target a top free agent center this offseason, as 2023 sixth-round pick Luke Wypler could be the answer despite a late-season knee injury. Wypler started some games at the end of the 2025 season and impressed in pass protection, though he struggled in the run game. The Browns' GM Andrew Berry has said Wypler will be good to go for 2026, leaving the team with an in-house option at the position.

Why it matters

The Browns' offensive line was a weakness in 2025, so finding a reliable starting center is a key priority this offseason. If Wypler can recover from his injury and improve his run blocking, he could solidify the position without the team needing to spend big on a free agent.

The details

Wypler, a former Ohio State center, started some games for the Browns at the end of the 2025 season after being a sixth-round pick in 2023. He impressed in pass protection but struggled to move defenders in the run game, which was a concern coming out of college. Wypler suffered a knee injury in the season finale that left his 2026 availability in question, but Browns GM Andrew Berry has said he will be good to go for the upcoming season.

  • Wypler was a sixth-round pick by the Browns in 2023.
  • Wypler started some games for the Browns at the end of the 2025 season.
  • Wypler suffered a knee injury in the 2025 season finale.

The players

Luke Wypler

A former Ohio State center who was drafted by the Browns in the sixth round in 2023 and started some games for them at the end of the 2025 season.

Andrew Berry

The general manager of the Cleveland Browns.

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What they’re saying

“Andrew Berry has said Luke Wypler will be good to go.”

— Andrew Berry, Browns GM (ESPN)

What’s next

The Browns will monitor Wypler's recovery from the knee injury and determine if he can be their starting center in 2026 or if they need to target a free agent option.

The takeaway

The Browns may have a cost-effective in-house solution at center if Wypler can recover from his late-season injury and improve his run blocking, allowing the team to focus on other needs in free agency rather than spending big on a top center.