Jakeem Grant, Wide Receiver/Kick Returner
2023 Salary: $3.56 million
Pre-June 1 Savings: $2.23 million
Dead Money: $1.13 million
Post-June 1 Savings: $2.9 million
Dead Money: $666,666
Like Joe Haeg, this player has yet to suit up for the Browns in an actual game. Jakeem Grant felt like a solid addition in the offseason due to his impressive career as a kick returner, as well as Cleveland’s lack of a playmaker at the position for years.
The coaching staff was even excited about what he could do in the passing game as he was becoming a trusted wideout during training camp. Unfortunately, he never even made it to the preseason.
#Browns return specialist Jakeem Grant making plays at WR today.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 29, 2022
Kevin Stefanski mentioned earlier that Grant very well could be featured in the offense.
"He's an electric player. He's fast. Certainly, somebody who we would love to use as we get into the regular season." pic.twitter.com/4tzNuP7agZ
Grant suffered an Achilles injury that sent him to the injured reserve in August. Also at 30 years of age, the Browns might not want to pay $3.5 million to bring him back, especially considering how tough an Achilles injury can be to return from.
Perhaps there can be some restructuring but his contract is structured in a way that Cleveland can move on, and a one-year deal might have been the plan all along.
Making his return even less likely is the performance of Jerome Ford as a returner. He might not be as experienced as Grant but he’s younger, healthier, and has a team-friendly salary.
This one would be a tough move, but it’s the right one since that money can be better utilized and the dead money is minimal whether he’s designated a pre-June 1 or a Post-June 1 cut.