Browns reunite with former center JC Tretter Shutdown

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JC Tretter and Joel Bitonio of the Cleveland Browns.

The Cleveland Browns parted ways with veteran starting center JC Tretter this season and it’s unlikely he’ll return to the team, despite remaining a free agent.

The Browns released Tretter prior to its free release, saving over $8 million over the limit. He appeared in all but one regular game of the season against Cleveland and was very consistent. Tretter also served as the head of the locker room and was the president of the NFLPA. Former fifth-round selector Nick Harris, who has been with the Browns since 2020, is expected to join the starting role.

Tretter is expected to have a number of suitors as a free agent but still not a single team has made it to training camp. While a reunion with the Browns at a lower number is curious, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot doesn’t believe he will return unless there is a significant hole left by the injury. According to Cabot in her latest Q&A:

The Browns are very appreciative of their 2020 fifth-round pick Nick Harris and expect a seamless transition at center. The only way I see Tretter coming back is if Harris gets a season-end injury. But Tretter remains one of the best centers in the NFL and should be looking for work somewhere this season. Perhaps his tough stance against the offseason program doesn’t help him with some teams.

The Cowboys have been considered a possible destination for Tretter but nothing seems imminent about him finding a new team.

Harris is considered the X-Factor on the Browns’ offensive line

Aside from Tretter, the rest of the Browns’ offensive line will remain intact, which is a big plus for Cleveland, as they are one of the better units in the league.

As Cabot noted, the Browns are excited by what they’ve seen in Harris, who has just started a few games in his career. The Browns’ official website recently singled him out as an X-Factor for the offensive line this season.

“The Browns have consistent talent in every other position up front and have been able to build a league-leading game over the past two seasons thanks to it,” staff writer Anthony Poisal wrote. “If Harris can step in and immediately perform at a high level, there will be no excuses.

Harris is 6 feet-1 tall and weighs 293 pounds. While he’s not the most impressive athlete, his grit is what brought him into the spotlight as a draft prospect.

“Harris’ body type showcases his impressive footwork agility and ability to execute all the necessary blocks of movement from his position,” NFL.com wrote ahead of the draft. “His ability to sustain both runs and passes speaks volumes for his consistency in effort and performance, but size, scheme and placement constraints could see him fall in the draft. lower than that specified by the actual tape.”

Browns have a star guard to help Harris

While it may take Harris some time to adjust to being a full-time starter, he’ll have some good associates around him on the guard Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller – both of whom are being promoted. named the All-Pro team a year ago.

Teller expressed confidence in Harris when speaking to reporters at the mandatory minicamp.

“I feel like an attack center, you have to be smart, and Nick is smart,” Teller told reporters on June 16. “Last year, we applauded him for his rise. gain 12 pounds of lean mass. He has completely changed his body since coming here.”

While Teller will be overlooked for his consistency and leadership, the Browns still look like they’re in a good position going forward.