The Browns are signing veteran offensive lineman Joe Haeg, as Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network tweets. Haeg was released by the division-rival Steelers at the end of August.
Pittsburgh signed Haeg in March 2021, and the North Dakota State product wound up seeing action in 12 games (two starts) last year. His 307 offensive snaps represented his highest total since 2018, and he spent a little time at all O-line positions except for center.
It appeared as if the Steelers would keep Haeg around as a depth piece in 2022, but the club recently acquired fellow OL Jesse Davis in a trade with the Vikings, and that transaction cost Haeg his roster spot. He became a popular free agent upon his release, and he lined up visits with multiple teams, including the OL-needy Raiders, before opting to sign with Cleveland.
Browns RT Jack Conklin is working his way back from a torn patellar tendon, and as Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com tweets, head coach Kevin Stefanski has not yet indicated whether Conklin will be ready to suit up for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Panthers next Sunday. Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal adds that Chris Hubbard — who played in just one game in 2021 due to a triceps issue — has not practiced in more than a week, so the Browns are clearly in need of some RT insurance.
Haeg, 29, can provide that, and he can also play guard if necessary. A fifth-round pick of the Colts in 2016, Haeg started 29 games over his first two years in the league, lining up at both RG and RT. He earned solid PFF scores of 67.9 and 64.1 for his work during those two seasons, but his play slipped a bit in 2018, and an ankle injury limited him to just eight games that year. In 2019, the final year of his rookie contract, he was used almost exclusively as a special teamer.
He hooked on with the Bucs in 2020 and earned a Super Bowl ring, though he was on the field for just 127 offensive snaps.
if you cant make the cut as an interior linemen for the steelers, then things aren’t looking great for you..
if you sign with the Browns then you’re officially screwed
I thought the same thing. I watched Pittsburgh’s games this preseason and that line is horrible. It amazes me that a franchise as successful as the Steelers don’t know that you need an offensive line
they’ve never had any pure talent at tackle (don’t have the luxury of taking top tackles in draft)
steelers have been successful by having a mobile QB who can roll out of the pocket (Ben) , but have consistently had high end talent at guard who can open lanes.
Pouncey and DeCastro both retired a year earlier than expected… Dotson is a guy steelers took to start rebuilding upfront, however as a key component, he’s been injured every year. and Kendrick Green was pathetic.
so you have 2 busts drafted as crucial replacements.
i have no clear answer to why not a single o-liner was drafted this year, however it’s very clear that the draft picks were brought in to give every available option to the next QB..
Pickens – over-qualified WR3
Austin – extra deep threat wr5
Heyward – pass catching FB/TE
steelers got their QB so if they have a high pick next year it can be used on a top end blocker
He looks like fought in the battle of the five armies.
lmaooo
Haeg was pretty solid when he played for the Steelers last season. He’s not the greatest pass blocker but can be a bull in the run game. I’m not quite understanding this move as a Steeler fan, but I wish Joe well.
he played 2 games and was replaced by John leglue.. he wasn’t solid at all
Leglue replaced him at guard, which is not Haeg’s best position. When Joe filled in at tackle I thought he performed better… but I admit I forgot about his time as guard, which you’re correct in that it wasn’t great.