Browns Overhaul Offensive Line in Free Agency

But questions remain about the team's wide receiver room and quarterback situation

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:35pm

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The Cleveland Browns have been busy in free agency, overhauling their offensive line by trading for Tytus Howard and signing Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. They also re-signed Tevin Jenkins, giving them four of their five projected starting offensive linemen. However, the team has not made any major additions to their wide receiver room, and the quarterback position remains uncertain with Deshaun Watson's status still up in the air.

Why it matters

The Browns' offensive line was a major weakness last season, so the team has made it a priority to address that unit. With a revamped offensive line, the team hopes to provide better protection and run-blocking for their skill position players. But the lack of moves at wide receiver and the ongoing quarterback situation could still hold the team back, as evidenced by their declining Super Bowl, conference, and division odds.

The details

The Browns have completely overhauled their offensive line this offseason, trading for Tytus Howard and signing free agents Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. They also re-signed Tevin Jenkins, giving them four of their five projected starting offensive linemen. This represents a major shift from last season, when the line was a significant weakness. The team is hoping the new-look line will provide better protection and run-blocking for their skill position players. However, the Browns have not made any major additions to their wide receiver room, which was also a problem area last season. And the quarterback position remains uncertain, with Deshaun Watson's status still up in the air.

  • The legal tampering period of NFL free agency kicked off on Monday, March 13, 2026.
  • The official league year began at 4:00 PM ET on Wednesday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Tytus Howard

An offensive lineman acquired by the Browns in a trade.

Zion Johnson

A free agent offensive lineman signed by the Browns.

Elgton Jenkins

A free agent offensive lineman signed by the Browns.

Tevin Jenkins

An offensive lineman re-signed by the Browns.

Deshaun Watson

The Browns' quarterback whose status remains uncertain.

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What they’re saying

“The offensive line is in much better shape than it was a season ago.”

— Chris Pokorny, Author (yahoo.com)

“Even though I'd consider it a down year for Bojorquez last year, we've seen was he's capable of, and hopefully a new special teams coordinator can get him back to that.”

— Chris Pokorny, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Browns still have some lower-end roster moves to make leading up to the draft, and they could also look to add a wide receiver with one of their early draft picks.

The takeaway

The Browns have made significant improvements to their offensive line in free agency, but they still have questions to answer at wide receiver and quarterback. The team's declining odds suggest the market is skeptical about their ability to contend in 2026 despite the o-line upgrades.