Six 2020 Cleveland Browns starters, not on the roster in 2021

Olivier Vernon – Defensive End

While the biggest trade between the Giants in Browns in the 2019 offseason didn’t involve Olivier Vernon, it was still a huge move for the John Dorsey-led Browns at that moment. And if you’re a die-hard, you’ll remember the third preseason game vs. Tampa Bay where Vernon, Myles Garret, Ogunjobi, and Sheldon Richardson made life miserable for Jameis Winston.

While Olivier and the Browns would have success, unfortunately, it would never live up to the high expectations of many based on what the Browns gave up getting him.

In two seasons with the Browns, Olivier started only 23 games and was playing injured in 25 percent of those games. In 2020 he did have 9 sacks, but a brutal season-ending injury in Week 17, would cut his season and career with the Cleveland Browns short.

When healthy, Vernon was the perfect fit for Garrett. He would get a ton of one on one looks and capitalize while teams focused on Garrett. In both 2019 and 2020, Vernon started the season slow and then really got in a groove before an injury.

At one point last year many were talking about trying to extend Vernon, but now he may struggle to find a team in 2021 because of the injury history.