Browns 2-Time All-Pro Named Surprising Cut Candidate

We're nearing the Cleveland Browns ' first preseason game of 2024 and the competition is fierce for the final 53-man roster.

As position battles continue, there might be some surprises coming out of camp and some younger players beating out veteran players at key roster spots.

USA Today's Christian D'Andrea thinks the Browns could be in store for one of these roster surprises along the offensive line, naming offensive tackle Jack Conklin as a possible surprise cut candidate.

Cap savings : $728,824

Potential replacement : Dawand Jones

"The Browns need cap relief — more so in 2025 than 2024, where they’re an estimated $60 million over next year’s salary cap ( per Over the Cap ). That makes Conklin, on the hook for cap hits of nearly $19.5 million in 2025 and 2026, a potential casualty.

"The high-profile free-agent signing has played just 22 games over the last three seasons and will turn 30 years old before the season begins. Cleveland could opt for savings while plugging Dawand Jones into his spot at tackle."

Conklin was the picture of consistency and ability in four seasons in Tennessee, where he earned a first-team All-Pro in his rookie campaign. He missed seven games in 2018 due to injury but otherwise played every game of each season there.

The former Michigan State Spartan played 15 of 16 games in 2020 - his first year in Cleveland - and earned his second-career first-team All-Pro.

But since then, Conklin has appeared in just 22 of a possible 51 games for the Browns while fighting injuries.

Related: Browns Non-Rookie to Watch in Preseason?

Conklin hasn't exactly lived up to his four-year, $60 million deal, and could be in line to be cut. The team was impressed with the rookie tackle Dawand Jones last season, after selecting him in the fourth round out of Ohio State.

His lack of availability combined with poor play and a high price tag could put Conklin right on the chopping block come cut time.