Spending some time on the offensive line story, and the Cleveland Browns have jumped out at me. One of the first things the current regime did was watch center Alex Mack leave for Atlanta, which hurt. But since then they've put a lot of money into the line.
At left tackle they've got Joe Thomas, who's maybe the game's best player at the position. Two weeks ago they handed a $51 million extension to left guard Joel Bitonio. He's a former second-round pick who's worked out nicely.
On the heels of the Bitonio deal they made two big moves in free agency. They signed guard Kevin Zeitler away from the Bengals, weakening a division rival and making themselves better. And then they added center J.C. Tretter from Green Bay. He was behind Corey Linsley, but started 10 games over the last two seasons and has been a good center for them.
The Browns may not be set at right tackle. They could try former first-rounder Cameron Erving there, since he didn't work out at center. They've got some time to figure it out.
Collectively, though, the Browns will spend over $40 million this season on their five offensive line starters. That's tops in the league.
Would be nice if they had a quarterback, of course. If they ever come up with a decent option there, he should enjoy strong protection. And Isaiah Crowell should have plenty of running room, too.