Next 3 players that Cleveland Browns could release
By Clay Goodwin
With a new front office in Cleveland, there are several veteran players with lofty contracts that could be cut this offseason to save salary cap space.
When NFL teams bring in a new front office, offseason changes are inevitable. Often times players acquired from previous regimes are first to go. This has been the case thus far for the Cleveland Browns.
This week the Browns let go of four veterans. The players included: T.J. Carrie, Demetrius Harris, Eric Kush, and Adarius Taylor. The most surprising was T.J. Carrie, as he started for the Browns at nickel corner most of the year.
There is one obvious reason for the cuts – saving money and creating more space for the salary cap. Veterans that are not contributing in a great way do not have great job security because there are younger players who are much cheaper that can take their spot.
The Browns may not be done moving on from current players this offseason. There are some players left whose hefty contracts outweigh their contributions on the field.
Honorable mention: Olivier Vernon
Olivier Vernon is due to make $15.5 million this year. That is a very expensive contract. He did not play remotely close to that value last year. He is capable of living up to his contract but needs to stay on the field and play at a high level more consistently. He was injured and unproductive for too much of the season for the amount of money Cleveland is paying him.
The front office has a decision to make. Quality defensive ends are extremely hard to come by and it would be hard to part with Vernon for that reason. He is a good complement to Myles Garrett, but he certainly comes with flaws. If he does get cut this offseason, it will be because of his contract.