Cleveland Browns: Top 5 players deserving of a new contract
By Cory Kinnan
2. Center J.C. Tretter
There is a ton of talk about culture change in Cleveland, but no one player may be more responsible for the shift than center J.C. Tretter. The Cornell man did not miss a game a year ago, even after suffering a significant ankle injury, which caused him to limp around the facility throughout the week before wrapping it heavily on Sundays.
Last season Tretter, Bitonio, and now departed Kevin Zeitler combined to be among the league’s best trio of interior offensive linemen. Tretter should be a priority for the Browns to re-sign as the interior of their line is most crucial for Mayfield due to his height.
Having a clean pocket for Mayfield to step up into was crucial for his success a year ago, and that was largely due to the success of the interior line trio. After already moving on from Zeitler, the Browns cannot afford to let a second member of the trio leave their young franchise quarterback as well.
Tretter’s Pro Football Focus grade (subscription required) came in just below Randall’s, scoring an above average 72.3. Due to the importance of his position and the need to keep Mayfield upright, the Browns cannot afford to disrupt the interior of their offensive line any further; this puts Tretter as the second most important impending free agent to keep in Cleveland.