Andrew Berry attacks No. 1 offseason priority with series of offensive line acquisitions

The Browns' focus to start the offseason was obvious.And necessary.As the new league year opened Wednesday at 4 p.m., the Browns announced the moves that had been reported over the last week. The theme jumped off the depth chart: rebuilding the offensive line.Browns continue to work on OL, finalizing deal to bring in Packers veteran Elgton JenkinsThe trade last week for Tytus Howard provides the Browns a veteran right tackle, and he was given a three-year, $63 million contract extension. The Browns followed Monday and Tuesday by reaching deals with guard Zion Johnson and guard/center Elgton Jenkins and re-signing guard Teven Jenkins.The Browns could have five new starting linemen, including Johnson at left guard if seven-time Pro Bowler Joel Bitonio retires.The NFL's negotiating period started Monday at noon, allowing teams to reach agreements with prospective free agents.On Wednesday, a few hours before free agency officially kicked off, the Browns added another big body to help the offensive line — blocking tight end Jack Stoll. The 28-year-old agreed to a one-year deal.With David Njoku set to leave in free agency, the Browns were in the market for a tight end to complement Harold Fannin Jr., who emerged as a top receiving threat during his rookie season. He was a third-round pick out of Bowling Green last year and led the Browns with 72 catches, 731 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.Browns agree to 3-year deal with guard Zion Johnson, add LB Quincy WilliamsStoll (6-foot-4, 247 pounds) has made his career as a blocker. He was undrafted out of Nebraska in 2021, spent 3½ seasons with the Eagles, finished 2024 with the Dolphins and was with the Saints in 2025.He's played 76 games with 32 starts. He has 28 catches and a touchdown. He started four of 15 games with the Saints, catching six passes for 46 yards and a touchdown.The only other move by the Browns was a two-year deal with former All-Pro linebacker Quincy Williams. He will replace Devin Bush, who left for the Bears.The Browns sent a fifth-round pick to the Texans for Howard. The pick was acquired by the Browns when they traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Raiders.Howard (6-5, 320 pounds) is entering his eighth season out of Alabama State. He was the No. 23 pick of the Texans and has started all 93 of his games. Last season he started 16 games — nine at right tackle, five at left guard and two at right guard. He's expected to play right tackle for the Browns, but his versatility is valued.Browns agree to deal with LB Quincy Williams after Devin Bush leaves for Bears"It means a lot to be able to sign an extension here, start fresh and be able to build my name up here in Cleveland," Howard said in the news release. "I'm excited for the future. I know that it's great things to come, and hopefully I can be here even longer than the extension to continue to make a positive impact on the city."Being in a city with such a love for football, and just excited to get here and make an impact — especially on the offensive line, to give Shedeur (Sanders), Deshaun (Watson), all these quarterbacks as much time as possible, to make an impact every day and win some games."The line struggled with injury and performance a year ago, which adversely affected the play of the quarterbacks as the Browns went 5-12 and the offense was 31st in the league with 16.4 points a game. The Browns are banking on the new line performing better and helping whoever winds up playing quarterback.They have yet to add a quarterback or a receiver, which is another key piece in supporting the quarterback. Free agency has only just begun, so there's plenty of time, although most of the marquee players have found homes.General manager Andrew Berry's top priority was clear.Johnson (6-3, 315) was the No. 17 pick of the Chargers in 2022 and has started 65 of 66 games. He's played both guard spots and started 16 games at left guard in 2025.Elgton Jenkins (6-5, 310) was released by the Packers in a move to save salary cap space.He was a second-round pick in 2019, appearing in 96 games with 94 starts. He went to the Pro Bowl in 2020 and 2022 and has played left tackle, left guard, center and right tackle. He had his most success at guard before moving to center last season.Williams has a long history with new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg after time together with the Jaguars and Jets. Williams (5-11, 230) was a first-team All-Pro in 2023 and has four 100-tackle seasons.The post Andrew Berry attacks No. 1 offseason priority with series of offensive line acquisitions first appeared on BrownsZone with Scott Petrak.