Browns sign former first-round OL

The Browns have added depth to their offensive line before the upcoming draft. Germain Ifedi signed with Cleveland on Thursday, per a team announcement.

Ifedi spent his first four seasons in Seattle, seeing time at both right guard and right tackle. The former first-rounder did not develop as hoped despite serving as a full-time starter, though, and the team’s decision to decline his fifth-year option led to a free agent departure in 2020. Ifedi played on a pair of one-year contracts with the Bears following his Seattle tenure.

The 29-year-old saw 23 starts and 25 total appearances in Chicago, splitting his time between guard and tackle during that span. His PFF evaluations improved compared to his Seahawks tenure, with pass protection being viewed as the strong point of his skillset. Still, Ifedi has struggled to find a permanent home in the NFL, having bounced around to the Falcons, Lions and Bills over the past two years.

The Texas A&M product played sparingly in Atlanta in 2022, logging only eight snaps on offense. He was set to join the Lions last offseason but was ultimately let go before the final roster cutdowns. Back on the market, Ifedi signed with the Bills, a move that provided the team with depth ahead of the campaign. During a year in which the Bills remained healthy up front, though, Ifedi did not see the field throughout the 2023 season.

Cleveland, by contrast, dealt with several injuries along the O-line last year. The team has had a quiet offseason up front, as Ifedi represents the only outside addition made before the draft (reserve guard Michael Dunn was previously re-signed). The Browns could certainly still look to add a rookie offensive lineman next week, but Ifedi will give them a veteran of 83 starts capable of competing for a roster spot in training camp.