Everyone knows that the Cleveland Browns need to replace 80% of their offensive line this offseason, and there’s a good chance that at least one of the offensive tackles will be on a cost-effective contract heading into 2026.
Assuming the Browns find one of their starting offensive tackles in the 1st or 2nd round of this year’s draft, they could focus on signing the other starter for 2026 in free agency. Cleveland is also reportedly in on the Tyler Linderbaum sweepstakes at center, which means that
quite a bit of their free agency budget would be tied up in his new contract if he chooses to be a Brown.
Here are 3 free agent offensive tackles who could be a “bridge” starter on either side if Andrew Berry and Co. aren’t confident in Dawand Jones staying healthy enough to be effective in 2026.
Justin Skule
2025 team: Minnesota Vikings
2025 stats: 16 games/9 starts
I’ve been advocating for the Browns to sign Skule throughout the past two free agent cycles, and he’s available again in 2026. He consistently ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to offensive tackle performance every year, and he’s usually able to be had at a bargain bin price.
If Cleveland drafts Spencer Fano to be their starting LT in 2026, Justin Skule is more than talented enough to hold down the right side as a full-time starter for at least one season.
Projected 2026 contract: 1 year – $1.5M total, $500k guaranteed
Braxton Jones
2025 team: Chicago Bears
2025 stats: 6 games/4 starts
Jones fell out of favor in 2025 as he was pretty underwhelming during his first four starts of the year, which caused him to be benched. Yes, targeting someone after they were just benched isn’t ideal, but Chicago was incredibly high on him the previous three years when he was their full-time starter at left tackle.
Signing Jones could be a no-brainer type of move for Cleveland if he’s able to be signed close to the current contract projections. The only problem with Jones is his age; at only 26 years old, he could be looking for a longer-term deal. It would be incredibly surprising to see the Browns sign one of these free agent tackles to anything more than a one-year contract.
Projected 2026 contract: 1 year – $5M total, $3M guaranteeed
Trey Pipkins III
2025 team: Los Angeles Chargers
2025 stats: 13 games/10 starts
Though he had a down year in 2025, Pipkins could be the top option at offensive tackle when it comes to getting the most “bang for your buck” in free agency this year. He was essentially a four-year starter for the Chargers, spending time at both left and right tackle. His versatility and experience could be exactly what the Browns are looking for when it comes to a free agent offensive tackle.
He’s a true plug-and-play offensive tackle who could be effective wherever Cleveland needs him, and at a discount price when it comes to how productive he could be in 2026.
Projected 2026 contract: 1 year – $5.5M total, $3M guaranteed
