3 Cleveland Browns veterans who could be cap casualties in 2021

1. A wide-receiver

The names that just won’t go away when you talk Cleveland Browns roster spots are Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham. And while both have been great players for the Browns organization, there is a great chance that one of them doesn’t make it to 2021.

What makes the most sense contractually? Finding a way out of the Landry contract through trade or release and keeping Beckham who is under contract through 2023. One, Landry is only under contract through 2022 for nearly the same money as Beckham. Two, while both are solid, Beckham is the only one of the two who can consistently beat man coverage.

What makes the most sense for the Browns? Cutting ties with Landry and keeping Beckham is tough because of the injuries to Beckham and the proven durability of Landry who’s only missed one game in his career was because of being a close contact for COVID-19.

On the flip side, it would be much easier to trade Landry and get something back than Beckham, strictly because of the injury history. I’m one of the few who is in favor of keeping both for 2021 and then re-evaluate.

If Beckham can stay healthy, you may increase his trade value, and if not, his dead money number will still be zero if you want to move one. Landry would lose some trade value, but he as well would have zero dead money at the end of 2021 and would be an easy one to move on from contractually if need.

Their personalities will always keep them in the news, but both guys have proven to be great teammates and are passionate about football. However, with a salary cap, having two receivers making over $15 million is a luxury the Browns likely won’t be able to afford much longer.

Don’t be shocked to see Berry find a way out of one of these contracts before the 2021 season.