It’s not every day that an All-Pro-level guard comes available.
Browns offensive lineman Wyatt Teller penned an emotional goodbye message in a strong sign that he won’t be returning to Cleveland, as he’s set to be an unrestricted free agent after the team voided the final years of his contract.
Teller, a fan-favorite who once paved the way for an elite rushing attack with Nick Chubb, will now look for a new home and could be coveted in free agency.
“I wish things were different, and this is hard to put into words,” Teller wrote in an Instagram post that included a photo of his wife and two children.
“When Buffalo traded me to Cleveland seven years ago, I never could have imagined how much this city would mean to me. Ultimately, the Browns took a chance on me that changed the trajectory of my life forever.”
Teller began losing playing time at the end of last season, as a calf injury forced him to begin rotating with guard Teven Jenkins in Week 13.
Assuming the Browns cut Teller post-June 1, they would save roughly $2.1 million in salary cap space as they look to rebuild their team under new head coach Todd Monken.
Cleveland has other tough decisions to sort out along its offensive line involving veterans Joel Bitonio and Jack Conklin.
Conklin is set to be a free agent, while Bitonio is contemplating retirement.
Teller, still just 31 years old, will certainly get a chance to compete for a starting role along the offensive line of a different team, but will need to stay healthy in order to really carve out a role.
Though Teller’s heart certainly remains in Cleveland, wherever he goes.
He spent seven seasons with the team after being acquired in a trade with the Bills prior to the 2019 season, and appeared in 101 games with 94 starts.
“I’ve made friendships and connections on and off the field that will last far beyond the game of football,” Teller continued. “Our family is so blessed and grateful for everyone in Northeast Ohio who has supported and loved us these past seven years.”
Teller joins Tyler Linderbaum as one of the top free agents in the NFL, as Pro Bowl-level offensive lineman don’t often become free agents.
The Giants, Eagles and Vikings are among those who could in the market for Teller’s services.
Teller rated as 39th best guard in the NFL this past season, according to Pro Football Focus, which has not given Teller a “good grade” (70 or higher) since 2023.