**Former Browns OT Geron Christian Joins Tennessee Titans**
Geron Christian, previously with the Cleveland Browns, has signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans. Christian, who started the last nine games of the 2023 season for the Browns, reunites with offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Callahan, who coached Christian at the Browns and during his draft time with Washington in 2018, likely influenced this move.
**Emergency Role with the Browns**
Christian was brought to the Browns in an emergency situation. After losing Jack Conklin for the season in week one, rookie Dawand Jones stepped in at right tackle. Jedrick Wills’ knee injury in week eight against the Arizona Cardinals led to James Hudson III filling in at left tackle. A torn MCL for Jones in practice the following week further strained the Browns’ offensive line, pushing Hudson to right tackle and Christian to left tackle.
**Key Contributions and Season Impact**
Christian’s first start for the Browns was a crucial divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens, where the Browns emerged victorious, 33-31. This win, with the fourth and fifth tackles, was seen as a turning point for the team. However, quarterback Deshaun Watson’s shoulder injury the following day ended his season.
In the next game, Christian and Hudson protected rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, leading to a 13-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Christian continued to start, protecting Joe Flacco for the rest of the season, helping the Browns secure an 11-6 record and a postseason spot despite limited run-blocking contributions.
**Postseason Challenges**
The wildcard game against the Houston Texans highlighted the Browns’ weaknesses at tackle. Struggling to run the ball, they relied heavily on Flacco’s passing, but back-to-back interceptions returned for touchdowns sealed their defeat.
**Familiarity with Bill Callahan**
Christian’s familiarity with Bill Callahan, stemming from their time together at the Browns and Washington, is likely a significant factor in this signing. This marks the second former Browns lineman to join the Titans recently. Earlier, the Browns traded offensive tackle Leroy Watson IV to the Titans for a 2024 NFL Draft pick, which the Browns used to select corner Myles Harden from South Dakota.
Leave a Reply