3 Cleveland Browns veterans who could be cap casualties in 2021

2. Sheldon Richardson, DT

Another big name that could be on the move in 2021 is Sheldon Richardson, who was brought in by John Dorsey during the 2019 offseason. At age 31, Richardson certainly has more in the tank as he had a tremendous season in 2020 with 64 tackles, five tackles for loss, and four and a half sacks. Richardson also had three pass deflections and a forced fumble.

Once again, I don’t think any fans want to see Richardson off the roster, but he would save the team $12 million in cap space if moved elsewhere. While the Browns aren’t in cap trouble yet, there is a chance that Denzel Ward and Baker Mayfield both get big contracts that would eat up much of the available cap space.

Let’s also not forget that Jordan Elliott will be a second-year player who had a very strong rookie season. He will still be a few steps behind Richardson but at a salary of just over $1 million in 2021. Additionally, Andrew Billings will be back after not playing in 2020 because of COVID-19.

Both Billings and Elliott can be dominant run stuffers, but the team will need to address an inside pass rush should Richardson not make it. Cleveland would likely have a good shot of getting a fifth or sixth-round pick out of Richardson in a trade because of his production which is also an added benefit.

Truthfully, I would focus on restructures elsewhere to keep Richardson on the roster one more year and then let him walk. Unfortunately, defensive tackle is not a coveted position and I think Berry will cut his losses quickly and plan to address the position in the draft.