The Cleveland Browns have made a potentially impactful signing ahead of their regular season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. Per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Browns inked guard Rodger Saffold to their practice squad.
Browns signed former Jets’ G Rodger Saffold to their practice squad.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 3, 2024
Saffold signed with the New York Jets practice squad in late October but never appeared in a game. The Jets dumped the 13-year starter on Tuesday, opening the door for the Browns to add him to their roster.
Rodger Saffold III: Longtime NFL Offensive Lineman
Saffold, the 33rd overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, spent his first nine seasons playing for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams. The Indiana Hoosiers product started at left tackle in his rookie season, posting excellent protection numbers for the Rams. Running back Steven Jackson rushed for 1,241 yards and six touchdowns during Saffold’s inaugural NFL campaign. Saffold shifted to guard in 2014. The six-foot-five, 325-pound guard helped lead the Rams to the Super Bowl in 2018, an eventual 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots. He earned second-team All-Pro honors once during his tenure with the Rams.
Saffold joined the Tennessee Titans in 2019, playing three seasons with the club. Running back Derrick Henry led the league twice in rushing with Saffold on the roster, including rushing for 2,027 yards in 2020. Saffold earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2021. The veteran inked a deal with the Buffalo Bills in 2022, earning his second Pro Bowl honor. Saffold joined the New York Jets this season but never saw game action.
Cleveland Browns: Offensive Line Depth Chart
Saffold will provide depth for the Cleveland Browns offensive line. However, due to his pedigree, he could become a viable option, with Cleveland securing a playoff spot last week. Star offensive lineman Joel Bitonio and former Buffalo Bill Wyatt Teller start at the guard positions for Cleveland. Bitonio is a two-time first-team All-Pro, while Teller has earned two Pro Bowl nods. However, an injury would open the door for Saffold. Fellow guard Drew Forbes sits on the non-football injury list, leaving rookie Luke Wypler and journeyman Michael Dunn as the backups. The Browns also have tackles Jedrick Wills Jr., Jack Conklin, and Dawand Jones on the injured reserve (IR).
For More Football News:
Follow me on Twitter at @alec_musa. You can also reach out to me via email at musaalec@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest college and NFL news, click here!
