Cleveland Browns: Which players are in a contract year?
By Randy Gurzi
Nate Orchard, DE
All offseason there’s been strong talk of defensive end Nate Orchard being on the chopping block. Originally drafted to be a pass rushing outside linebacker, Orchard moved to the defensive line in 2016.
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That change was necessitated by a switch in philosophies once Gregg Williams became the defensive coordinator. Orchard was still getting used to a new position that season before an ankle injury limited him to three games — which set back his transition.
With the team set at end with Myles Garrett and Emmanuel Ogbah, Orchard presents nothing more than a depth piece. With Carl Nassib already on the roster, Cleveland also added Chris Smith in free agency and Chad Thomas in the draft.
Orchard may not make it to the regular season, but if he does it will be all about trying to prove himself before hitting the market in 2019.
Jamie Meder, DT
Defensive tackle Jamie Meder is another player who was here before Williams, but he found himself on the field a lot in 2016. He had 48 tackles and a sack in 16 games — 15 starts— that season, but primarily backed up Larry Ogunjobi in 2017.
Meder is a a strong player and provides solid depth. Still, he will have to prove his worth to convince the Browns to keep him beyond this year.