Browns' Offensive Line Gamble: Johnson, Rookies, and Depth

0:00On April 26, Cleveland Browns went all in on fixing their offensive line this off-season, signing guard Zion Johnson to a three-year deal worth. 49.5 million dollars. They needed it bad after injuries and goodbyes from guys like Joel Baitonio and Wyatt Teller. Johnson came over from the Chargers thanks to ties with their advisor Tom Telesco who drafted him back in 2022. Fast forward to the 2026 NFL draft and the Browns loaded up even more on the line. They grabbed Spencer, Fanno, 9th overall, a versatile tackle who can slide anywhere. Then in the third round Austin Barber another tackle with inside potential and early day three they added center Parker Brailsford from Alabama. Now folks are side-ying that Johnson contract hard. These rookies could push him to the bench if he doesn't ball out in camp. The Browns already got depth questions at quarterback and they can't afford backups eating up that cash. Johnson's got the athletic tools to dominate inside but his track record says otherwise. He's been shaky

1:04and run-blocking, letting up five sacks in three or four seasons and last year alone 29 pressures per pro football focus. Elton Jenkins might shift back to guard two if Brailsford shines. Bottom line. In a perfect world, Johnson locks right guard with Fanno, Jenkins, Brailsford and Titus Howard up front. But with his history and all this new talent, the Browns might be rethinking that big splash real quick.