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Post free agency roster moves for the Cleveland Browns

By Greg Newland

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 08: Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns warms up prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive End Olivier Vernon #54 of the Cleveland Browns rushes the passer against the New York Jets in the first half at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images).
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive End Olivier Vernon #54 of the Cleveland Browns rushes the passer against the New York Jets in the first half at MetLife Stadium on September 16, 2019, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images). /

Olivier Vernon – Defensive End

The chatter all off-season has been the $15.5 million cap hit from Olivier Vernon would be an easy cut to free up space for younger free agents. To this point, Vernon remains with the team and new rumblings sound like the Browns intend to pay the $15.5 million.

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Vernon who will turn 30 this season was just starting to become productive in 2019 before an injury that sidelined him six games. Vernon hasn’t played a full season since 2016 and has seen his sack total diminish each year as well from 8.5 in 2016 to only 3.5 in 2019.

Given the Browns still have plenty of cap space for 2020 (just over $42 million) I am fine taking a risk on paying Vernon top dollar knowing there is a chance for injury. It surprises me he wasn’t a cap casualty, but this late in the game it appears Berry values pass rushers enough to keep Vernon around one more year. Keep in mind by keeping Vernon until the end of his contract the Browns could receive a decent compensatory draft pick in 2021.

Vernon still could get the ax, but with Everson Griffen and Jadeveon Clowney being the only strong pass-rushing free agents left, Vernon appears safe for now. Griffen is older and looking for $10+ million and Clowney reportedly wants $20 million per year with little track record to back up demands.

Unless Vernon has a breakout year in 2020, I don’t look for him to return. However, given the importance of pass rush and value Berry puts on it, look for Vernon to get one more shot in Cleveland. The Browns will likely draft multiple pass rushers in this year’s draft to try and find a replacement for Vernon going forward.

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