The Cleveland Browns have recently announced key personnel changes, releasing veteran offensive tackle Jack Conklin while securing the return of standout punter Corey Bojorquez. These moves highlight the team's ongoing strategy to balance experienced talent with consistent performance, particularly in light of player availability and specialized contributions.
Browns Announce Roster Moves: Conklin Departs, Bojorquez Returns
In a notable development on Thursday, March 12, 2026, the Cleveland Browns confirmed the departure of offensive tackle Jack Conklin. Conklin, 31, a distinguished player who earned All-Pro honors in both 2016 and 2020, has unfortunately been plagued by persistent injuries over the last three seasons. His recent playing time has been significantly impacted, participating in only eight games last season and missing the final two due to concussions. Since joining the Browns in 2020 on a one-year deal, subsequently extended to a four-year, $60 million contract in December 2020 (later revised to conclude after the 2025 season), Conklin missed a substantial 44 out of a possible 101 games. Drafted eighth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by Tennessee out of Michigan State, Conklin had an impressive run with the Titans, starting all 57 games he played before his move to Cleveland.
Concurrently, the Browns solidified their special teams unit by re-signing punter Corey Bojorquez. The 29-year-old punter had a phenomenal 2025 season, leading the entire NFL with 91 punts and accumulating 4,165 punting yards, achieving an impressive average of 45.8 yards per punt. His consistency continued a trend from 2024, where he also topped the league with 89 punts and 4,387 yards, including an 84-yard long. Bojorquez holds several Browns' single-season records, including a 49.4-yard punt average and a 42.5-yard net punt average in 2023, along with 36 punts inside the 20-yard line in 2024. Throughout his career, spanning 124 games with the Buffalo Bills (2018-20), Green Bay Packers (2021), and the Browns, Bojorquez has punted 546 times for a total of 25,695 yards, maintaining a 47.1-yard average and placing 205 punts inside the 20-yard line.
The Browns' decision-making underscores the unpredictable nature of professional sports, where career-defining performances can be intertwined with the challenges of physical demands. While releasing a talent like Conklin is undoubtedly difficult, it reflects a pragmatic approach to team management, prioritizing player availability and future potential. Conversely, retaining Bojorquez highlights the strategic importance of reliable special teams play in securing crucial field position. These roster adjustments showcase a forward-looking perspective, aiming to build a more robust and consistently performing team for the demanding seasons ahead, adapting to both the highs of exceptional talent and the lows of unforeseen setbacks.