3 Cleveland Browns that could be in their final year with the team
By Greg Newland
With a new general manager and a new contract owed to Myles Garrett, here are three Cleveland Browns that could be playing their last season in Cleveland.
Newly hired general manager Andrew Berry has made his stamp quickly with the Cleveland Browns. Berry was able to bring in the top tight-end, offensive tackle, and back-up quarterback available via free agency. Along with that, Berry was graded highly by many experts for his 2020 draft picks.
As you break down the Browns roster, you will find there aren’t a ton of glaring weaknesses at any position. The linebacker depth chart is slightly weak and not as deep as some would like. But with new defensive coordinator Joe Woods expected to run a 4-2-5 scheme most snaps, the position isn’t as important as with other teams around the league.
Defensive end is another position of some concern for many. To begin the season the Browns are in a solid position with Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon starting and Adrian Clayborn as the backup. However, after Clayborn is Chad Thomas and Porter Gustin who both showed limited abilities after the suspension of Garrett last season. The Browns are one injury away from going to solid to below average.
Berry has positioned himself well for the future with multiple one-year contracts as well as front-loaded deals to keep the team flexible on cap space. This will allow Berry to evaluate talent for a full year before committing to a player, as well as give him the power to give Garrett a huge contract which he is deserving of. The Browns would be smart to sign Garrett before the 2020 season, after the suspension last year look for Garrett to have a monster season which could make his price tag even higher if the club waits.
With Berry likely to want “his” guys on the roster instead of John Dorsey’s guys, along with contracts due to Garrett and Baker Mayfield (likely not until next offseason), a few bigger names could be in their last season with the Browns. Let’s dive into three potential names that could be salary cap cuts moving forward after 2020.