Eric

Kush

Kush lasted just seven games before losing his starting job to Wyatt Teller last year. A swingman that can play multiple spots on the offensive line, Kush gives the Raiders veteran depth.

Cleveland also parted ways with LB Adarius Taylor, TE Demetrius Harris, and CB T.J. Carrie. Kush began the year as the team’s starting right guard over perennial bust Austin Corbett, but the former was quickly replaced by Wyatt Teller given Kush’s lackluster performance out the gates. Much like the other three recently players, Kush was unsurprisingly brought in by former Browns GM John Dorsey. Expect the 30-year-old to land elsewhere as an interior reserve since he logged 435-of-436 snaps at right guard just last year.

Kitchens added that the team hasn’t seen recently acquired OL Wyatt Teller on the field just yet and “there’s always going to be competition.” As it stands, Kush is slated to start Week 1 given 2018 second-rounder Austin Corbett’s lackluster performance throughout camp. Odds are Teller poaches the job by Week 2, but the Browns’ o-line remains a looming concern with only two above-average starters (RG Joel Bitonio. C J.C. Tretter) on hand following the team’s trade of All-Pro Kevin Zeitler this offseason.

Kush opened last season as the Bears’ starter at left guard, but he ended the year as a reserve, which is the role he likely will be asked to occupy in Cleveland. Versatile, Kush can play every position along the interior line.

Kush saw time at left tackle for small-school Cal-Penn, but projects as an interior lineman for the Chiefs. Standing in at 6-foot-4, 304 pounds, Kush has plus athleticism. Center is his most likely long-term position.

Kush (6-foot-3 7/8, 304) made 32 starts at tiny Cal-Penn, playing left tackle and center. He projects to the interior in the pros. Kush ran a 5.04 forty with a 30-inch vertical and 4.35 short shuttle at his Pro Day. Bush has plus athleticism and size for a center.

The Hard Knocks personality will provide interior depth after reserve Hroniss Grasu (ACL) was lost for the season.

The deal includes $500,000 guaranteed. Kush was one of the more entertaining personalities on an overly-dry Hard Knocks season last summer with the Rams. He ended up being a part of final cuts and was claimed off waivers by the Bears. Kush made four starts at left guard and will be back to compete for an interior reserve job.

He’s undergoing surgery. Kush signed a “two-year, $2.7 million” deal in February. He made four starts off the bench in 2016, and was to be the Bears’ top reserve interior lineman. Kush could be released with an injury settlement if he manages to get healthy in 2017.

With Rodney Hudson defecting for Oakland as a free agent, the job appears to be Kush’s to lose. Kush was the 170th overall pick in the 2013 draft. He played zero snaps last season after being in on 73 plays as a rookie. Director of player personnel Chris Ballard believes Kush “has got a bright future.”