Browns Sign Guard Kevin Zeitler, Make Him Highest Paid Guard Ever

Kevin Zeitler is the richest interior offensive lineman in NFL history. The Cleveland Browns have given the former Bengals guard a 5-year deal worth $60 million. $31.5 of that total will be completely guaranteed. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the story.

Cleveland plans to give Kevin Zeitler a five-year, $60 million deal that includes $31.5 million guaranteed, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2017

Zeitler, 26, was the 7th best guard in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus in 2016. Cleveland has made a concerted effort to improve their offensive line signing Joel Bitonio to an extension and adding J.C. Tretter via free agency. Cleveland appears to be taking the Cowboys approach as they still have a ton of cap space to play with this offseason.

Zeitler has spent his entire 5 year career with the Bengals to this point as a former first round pick in 2012 from Wisconsin. The Bengals have also lost Andrew Whitworth this offseason which could cause turmoil to the Cincy offensive line.