Cleveland Browns: Checking on the moves that have not worked at the bye
By Randy Gurzi
Cutting Carl Nassib after initially keeping him on the 53-man roster
As we just mentioned, the Browns have had some problems finding depth on the defensive line. Their selection of Chad Thomas hasn’t paid off yet and Anthony Zettel had a great game on Sunday, but up until then hadn’t really stood out. What makes all that seem worse is there was a legitimate option on the defense when they finished their 53-man roster.
Carl Nassib made the final cut, only to be released the next day as they claimed several players off waivers. He was promptly picked up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they’ve been thrilled with his addition. In nine games and three starts, Nassib has provided a decent pass rush and has a career-high four sacks so far this season. His best game came against the Browns in Week 7, when he sacked Baker Mayfield twice.
Nassib was a star on the HBO series ‘Hard Knocks’ as people loved his profane lectures on financial planning. He also had a rift with Todd Haley that was comical and ended with Nassib being called ‘Baby Carl’ and Haley getting the nickname ‘Toad.’
Nassib may never develop into a full-time starter, but he’s proven this season that the Browns gave up too early on their 2016 third-round pick.
Stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference