3 Cleveland Browns veterans who could be cap casualties in 2021

The Cleveland Browns could have some cap casualties this offseason

While fans hate it, cap casualties happen every year in the NFL. Even though players are still performing, is it worth the amount of money they are being paid?

The name of the game in the NFL is getting the most bang for your buck, and that almost always includes signing cheaper, younger talent and releasing veterans who may be overpaid.

While all these players are important to the Cleveland Browns, with such an analytical approach to the roster, general manager Andrew Berry could make three tough decisions in 2021 that fans don’t love at first.

3. David Njoku, TE

The former first-round pick from Miami has been a very good tight end in the NFL. David Njoku is extremely athletic and has shown the ability to make difficult catches and became a much-improved run-blocker throughout the 2020 season.

The only downside to Njoku is he has been injured multiple times in his career, and at times he has the tendency to drop the easy ones. With the Browns picking up his fifth-year option for 2021, the team could save over $6 million in cap space if cut before March 17th.

Njoku wouldn’t be cut because of his talent, he would be cut because of Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant who were the opening day tight-end starters with Njoku number three on the depth chart. Neither Hooper nor Harrison really lived up to full expectations in 2020, but with the friendliest contract to get out of in 2021, Njoku could find himself on the wrong side of the stick.

This one would sting because of his agent and high ceiling, but one that could make sense for Berry to make.