3 Cleveland Browns that could be trade bait in 2020

By Randy Gurzi | Jul 3, 2020

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson #98 talks to defensive end Chad Thomas #92 of the Cleveland Browns after an argument with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Steelers 21-7. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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Cleveland Browns (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. Olivier Vernon, EDGE

All offseason, the name Olivier Vernon keeps getting dropped. Acquired by John Dorsey in a trade with the New York Giants one season ago, Vernon missed six games due to a knee injury last season, and the durability concerns for him have become all-too-real.

On top of that, he’s set to cost $15.5 million against the cap this coming season. On the surface, this doesn’t sound crazy for a Pro Bowl edge rusher such as Vernon but the injuries do raise a question, especially when he counts more against the salary cap than any other player.

While his number is high, according to Over the Cap, the team would have no dead money at all should they decide to move on.

That’s easier said than done as the Browns depth chart is better at defensive end this season thanks to the addition of veteran edge rusher Adrian Clayborn but that doesn’t mean they should just cast players away. That is, unless they discover someone else on the team is capable of stepping up and getting the job done.

Should that happen, look for them to try and get something in exchange for Vernon while also opening up some cap room.

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