CLEVELAND — Austin Corbett moved around on Cleveland’s offense line. His next stop is Los Angeles.
The Browns traded Corbett, the No. 33 overall pick in the 2018 draft, to the Rams on Tuesday for an undisclosed 2021 selection.
Corbett was viewed as a potential long-term answer at left tackle when the Browns took him with the first pick of the second round — two before nabbed star running back Nick Chubb. But Corbett hasn’t developed as quickly as the Browns had hoped and general manager John Dorsey decided it was time to move him.
The 6-foot-3, 306-pounder played in 11 games as a rookie, making one start. Corbett appeared in three games this season.
Corbett was given a shot to win the starting job at right guard at training camp, but he was beaten out by Eric Kush. He’s been listed as Cleveland’s backup center behind JC Tretter.
Dorsey found a trade partner in the Rams, who have been in the market for a starting left guard since Joe Noteboom suffered a season-ending right knee injury during their loss to San Francisco on Sunday.
Los Angeles also needed to add some depth up front. Jamil Demby has been the sole backup at both guard spots, and he hasn’t played particularly well in his chances to fill in for Noteboom and Austin Blythe.
The Rams’ line was a durable strength of coach Sean McVay’s offense during his first two seasons, but the entire group has taken a noticeable step back in 2019. Los Angeles elected to part ways with two key veterans — left guard Rodger Saffold and center John Sullivan — while replacing them with 2018 draftees Noteboom and center Brian Allen, but neither newcomer has impressed.
