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

On 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

and 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.