The One Contract Holding Back the Cleveland Browns
By Scott Rogust
The Cleveland Browns have successfully defended their "NFL Offseason Championship," thanks in part to the wise signings and draft selections by new general manager Andrew Berry. While he's done a good job, the Browns still need to make some additional transactions to move up the standings in the tough AFC North.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle in their plans of clinching a playoff berth in 2020 is the contract of defensive end Olivier Vernon.
Next business decision for #Browns: DE Olivier Vernon who carries a $15.5 million price tag in the final year of his contract. Cutting him would be a full cap savings with no dead cap applicable.
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) March 10, 2020
Last year, ex-general manager John Dorsey was looking to put the Browns over the edge, specifically on the defensive line. Dorsey called New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman about Vernon's services. Gettleman agreed to flip the massive signing from the Jerry Reese regime, but at the cost of offensive guard Kevin Zeitler. Dorsey, who wanted to create a dominant defensive end duo of Vernon and Myles Garrett, agreed to the swap.
As it turns out, that was a colossal mistake by Dorsey. Vernon couldn't stay healthy for a full season, which wasn't a shock if you'd examined his Giants tenure before handshaking on that swap. Additionally, quarterback Baker Mayfield suffered without Zeitler blocking him, and played the role of a human tackling dummy.
You have the money from Olivier Vernon’s contract to sign Clowney if you want. Clowney against the Ravens twice a year sure would help. #Browns https://t.co/1ryj11yg29
— Kyle Buttermore (@Browns_SZN) April 17, 2020
Vernon is entering the final season of his five-year, $85 million contract, and parting ways with it won't be diffcult for Berry. Cutting or trading Vernon won't be a hinderance on Cleveland's payroll, as he carries no dead money, and they will free up $15.5 million in cap space in response.
The additional money can be invested in Jadeveon Clowney, who's more of an impact player than Vernon. Or, they could invest less financial capital in a more productive defensive end like Everson Griffen. Moving on from Vernon is something the Browns front office must consider if they truly want to make a leap in 2020 and beyond.