3 Cleveland Browns that could be in their final year with the team
By Greg Newland
2. Sheldon Richardson
Another John Dorsey signing that could be out after 2020 is defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Most fans will be disappointed to see Richardson out, as he was a bright spot in 2019 once Garrett was suspended. Richardson has shown the versatility of being able to play defensive end and tackle, which is a tremendous asset to the Browns.
The bottom line here is dollars and cents. Richardson is under contract through the 2021 season, but none of his $13.66 million salary in 2021 is guaranteed, and only carries a dead cap hit of $1.66 million. Richardson will be 30 after next season and likely has 2-3 strong years left to give in the NFL. With another strong performance in 2020, the Browns will not likely not want to pony up for a contract extension and Richardson will likely become a luxury the Browns can’t afford.
Andrew Billings and Larry Ogunjobi will both be out of contract after the 2020 season, however, both will be cheaper options than Richardson if they perform well next season. Billings is a dominant run-stuffer while Ogunjobi has stepped up tremendously as an interior pass rusher.
The Browns will certainly have work to do at the position after next season if they cut ties with Richardson. But at the time being, analytics will point towards focusing money at defensive end and cornerback vs. defensive tackle.
Because Ogunjobi will have been with the Browns for four seasons, there could be potential for a longer-term extension. Otherwise, look for Berry to continue to optimize one-year deals to keep the salary cap in check.