Cleveland Browns NFL Trade Rumors: Kevin Zeitler Signs Record-Setting Deal with Browns
The Cleveland Browns planned to upgrade their offensive line during the offseason and they didn't waste any time in signing their main target once the free agency period began.
The Browns have officially announced that they have come to terms with former Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler, and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the team will give him a five-year, $60-million deal. $31.5 million will be fully guaranteed.
"I think Kevin is one of the premier right guards in football. I've spent time with him before in Cincinnati. I believe he's going to be a really good football player for us at a position of need, and I think he'll do a great job," Browns head coach Hue Jackson said in a statement on the team's official website.
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Zeitler just made history. Well, actually his new contract did. With an average salary of $12 million per year, he is now the highest paid guard in National Football League (NFL) history. The previous record holder was Kelechi Osemele with $11.7 million per year.
Zeitler was widely considered to be the top guard in the market, although some would argue that T.J. Lang was better. But there's no denying that he will fit in nicely with the Browns.
The Bengals selected Zeitler in the first round of the 2012 draft and he has started for the team since his rookie season. At 27, he is still in his prime and he should help the Browns win more games this season.
Aside from Zeitler, the Browns also inked center J.C. Tretter to a three-year, $16.75-million deal and they also extended left guard Joel Bitonio's contract.
"The free agency process is a collaborative effort and we are excited to add these three players to our roster, as we feel they match the identity of the team we are trying to build," Browns vice president Sashi Brown said in a statement.
