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Cleveland Browns: List of players who opted out in the AFC North

By Randy Gurzi

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: De'Anthony Thomas #16 of the Baltimore Ravens walks on the field prior to playing against the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: De'Anthony Thomas #16 of the Baltimore Ravens walks on the field prior to playing against the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 01: The NFL shield logo is seen following a press conference held by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (not pictured) at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns lost more players than the AFC North combined

There were 66 players who ended up opting out of the 2020 NFL Season due to COVID-19 concerns and the Cleveland Browns had more than their share. Five members of their team decided to sit out the season as they chose to put their health and safety first.

No one should blame any of these players who decided not to participate and that’s not what this piece is about in any way. Having said that, all teams who saw players elect to stay home will be impacted by those decisions.

Around the NFL, there were some important players who took advantage of this opportunity as New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower won’t participate in the 2020 season. Neither will Kansas City Chiefs starting guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Denver Broncos starting tackle Ja’Wuan James or Miami Dolphins wideout Albert Wilson.

None of those decisions will directly impact the Cleveland Browns but that doesn’t mean there weren’t some opt-outs that will have an effect on their season. With that being said, we look at all the players who opted out in the AFC North, including those who chose not to play for the Browns this season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: No Players Opted Out

The Pittsburgh Steelers had no players opt-out, leaving them at full strength for 2020. That’s good news for them as they look to regain control of the AFC North after a frustrating season. Browns fans often overlook the Steelers after the way they struggled last season but with Ben Roethlisberger set to return, they could be dangerous.

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