5 best moves of NFL free agency so far

4. Cleveland Browns sign Jack Conklin

The Cleveland Browns biggest move in free agency involved acquiring a pass-catcher, making it the third year in a row they made a splash in this department. Austin Hooper joins Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry as big stars in the Cleveland offense, having signed a contract making him the highest-paid tight end in the league.

However, the Browns best move of free agency was adding former Tennessee Titans star right tackle Jack Conklin. Cleveland will pay him $42 million over three years with $30 million of that guaranteed, and while this seems like a lot of money, it’s actually a pretty cheap deal. And that becomes clear when you compare Conklin’s deal to Ereck Flowers’ $30 million with about $20 million guaranteed over three years.

Conklin is exactly what teams want out of a right tackle. He is a dependable pass blocker who absolutely mauls defensive linemen in the running game. Nick Chubb will love playing behind Conklin, who was known for his mean streak in the ground game ever since he played for Michigan State at the college level.

The Browns should be praised heavily for signing one of the best tackles in the NFL at below market value. Conklin can hit free agency again when he’s in another career “prime,” so he gets a win here, too. But overall, the Browns have to love this deal.

Baker Mayfield has a star tight end to pair with David Njoku in an offense which gives him plenty of options, but he needed a true star at offensive tackle more than anything else. Now, he has Conklin and one less excuse in 2020.