While other teams make waves with big-name signings, the Cleveland Browns have taken a more strategic approach—restructuring contracts, building flexibility, and setting the stage for a potential key addition.
Jack Conklin’s contract adjustment on Thursday is the latest move in this plan.
The veteran offensive lineman agreed to a reworked deal that keeps him in Cleveland for the upcoming season while shortening his original contract by a year.
This restructuring provides immediate cap relief, suggesting the Browns are creating financial space with intent.
NFL analyst Emmett Golden believes these calculated moves could be leading to something big—especially following the team’s recent meeting with a veteran quarterback.
“I look at it, unless I’m completely wrong, as an opportunity to open up some cap space, which makes me feel like the Browns are confident that they could get something done with Russell Wilson or somebody else, because the Browns have kind of been creating cap room as needed,” Golden observed.
The timing of Conklin’s contract restructuring has sparked speculation across Cleveland.
With Russell Wilson recently visiting the team’s facility, many believe these financial moves could be paving the way for his potential signing.
Wilson, now 36, proved he still has something left in the tank during his partial 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After sitting out the first six weeks, he stepped in for Justin Fields and posted 2,482 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and just five interceptions across 11 games.
Though the Steelers finished 6-6 under his leadership before falling to Baltimore in the playoffs, Wilson showed glimpses of the playmaking ability that once made him an elite quarterback.
If the Browns are making a serious push for Wilson, they likely see him as a bridge option—a veteran presence who can provide stability while they develop or seek their long-term answer at quarterback.
