Browns making wrong type of NFL history: How Andrew Berry can fix the 56-year crisis threatening Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns first line of defense for Shedeur Sanders is gone...literally. 

On Wednesday, Pro Bowl guard Wyatt Teller said a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram. The pancake machine wrote, "Cleveland, I wish things were different," thanking the fans while announcing he will not return for the 2026 season.

Teller's exit is more than just one veteran leaving town. For the first time since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, an NFL team is entering the offseason with its entire starting offensive line set to become free agents. The mass exodus includes:

• LT: Cam Robinson

• LG: Joel Bitonio (possible retirement or free agency)

• C: Ethan Pocic

• RG: Wyatt Teller

• RT: Jack Conklin

More: Browns defense: Tony Rizzo says Mike Rutenberg needs ‘half a brain’ to keep unit elite

For a young quarterback like Sanders, this is a nightmare scenario. He is potentially the future face of the franchise, and will be playing behind several new faces paid to protect him.

GM Andrew Berry must be aggressive from multiple angles to avoid this O-line overhaul from turning into a disaster. There's a recent precedent. Through trades, free agency and the draft, the Chicago Bears rebuilt their unit in one offseason. The result? Caleb Williams looked like a star, and the team went on a deep playoff run.

Time to get to work Mr. Berry.

The first move is free agency, and for an impact starting tackle, it is going to get expensive. Cleveland needs to outbid the market for Packers standout Rasheed Walker, who is projected to command around $20.2-million annually. Next, the Browns should trade for Jaguars OT Walker Little. A veteran lineman that's on the outs in Jacksonville and could provide stability for a mid-round pick. His 2026 salary cap hit is $14.4-million.

Finally, the draft is where this rebuild becomes real. Cleveland holds the No. 6 and 24th overall selections. Using a premium pick on a plug-and-play rookie tackle like Utah’s Spencer Fano or Georgia's Monroe Freeling is a must. Then the front office can swing back in the middle rounds to grab a guard and/or center.

This combination gives the Browns a blend of proven veterans, and upside first-year talent. Add returning linemen like Luke Wypler, Dawand Jones and Zach Zinter to the mix, and the Dawg Pound can start to breath a little easier.

If Berry doesn't land at least three new starters by training camp, the Browns won't just be making history. They will be watching whichever QB is taking snaps running for his life.

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