Cleveland Browns Free Agency: Should they stay or should they go?

Olivier Vernon

This one I’ll keep short and sweet, don’t overpay older, injury-prone talent. Look at the Cleveland Cavaliers in LeBron James’ prime. Richard Jefferson and Dwayne Wade are great but aren’t going to get you over the hump. If that doesn’t jog your memory, just remember Dwayne Bowe and Kenny Britt, who should have been charged with robbery by the Browns.

$15 million is just too much to pay with the list of pass-rushing free agents to choose from. Also keep in mind Vernon’s cap number includes no dead money heading into 2020, so the Browns will save the full $15 million in cap if cut.

The Browns may very well have to pay the $15 million per year to get a quality rusher to replace Vernon, but they’ll be subtracting four or five years from the age column when doing so. Luckily for Browns fans Vernon will be an easy cut after only being with the team one year and no real emotional attachment.

Matthew Judon is the “splash” signing possibility that may cost the Browns more than Vernon, but the 27-year-old really broke out in 2019 with 9.5 sacks. Also monitor Everson Griffen, as a discounted veteran option who would likely command under $8 million per year. Although he is 31-years-old, he still has some gas in the tank and a relationship with Kevin Stefanski.