NFL Free Agency Primer: Ethan Pocic

The regular season has come to a close, and most teams have already begun the complicated process of preparing for the 2023 season. In the coming months, we'll be covering the impending free agents most capable of shifting the balance of power in the NFL.

The Player: Ethan Pocic

Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Ethan Pocic didn't find the market he was hoping for last year, but he should have better luck this time around. After signing a one-year, $1.8775 million with the Browns in 2022, Pocic managed his best season as a pro, earning an impressive 79.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus and helping the Browns compile an impressive 2409 rushing yards.

The Fit:

At 6'5" and 320 pounds, Pocic is an unusually immense center. He has played at other interior offensive line positions, but with middling results. He fits best with a team that intends to punish defenses with an overpowering, man-to-man rushing attack.

The Cost:

After playing last year on a prove-it deal, Pocic has earned a multi-year pact with the Browns. Unfortunately, his resume beyond last season isn't impressive and he's missed 28 games since being drafted 58th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He shouldn't get close to a top-of-the-market deal, but if the Browns liked what they saw from his last year, they should offer him something in the neighborhood of Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras's three-year, $18 million deal. He may not have enough suitors to push the numbers much higher.

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