Browns: 3 cap casualties who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Mark Sipos
1. Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End
Even with the Browns in the market for a defensive end, one of the first cap casualties could be Adrian Clayborn. The 10 year veteran has been a solid addition for the Browns, who had three and a half sacks along with a forced fumble while only starting two games and playing roughly 34% of the overall defensive snaps. Clayborn, who was born with Erb’s Palsy, is limited to the right side of the defense due to his condition.
The current defensive end situation is a bit open, as Myles Garrett is the only guarantee to be on the roster come the start of the 2021-2022 season. Opposite of Garrett was veteran Olivier Vernon, who suffered a ruptured Achilles Tendon against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season finale. Vernon is scheduled to be a free agent, and there could be interest to bring him back on a short, incentive heavy type of deal.
The Browns also have plenty of younger, cheaper options on the roster as well. Porter Gustin, who played almost 29 percent of defensive plays, is an exclusive restricted free agent, and will more than likely be brought back to battle for a depth position. The Browns also stashed Curtis Weaver onto their IR list last season. The former fifth round pick did not play last year due to a foot injury.
Between the younger players, a possible Vernon reunion, and talk of the Browns targeting defensive ends in free agency as well as the draft, the writing appears to be on the wall for Clayborn. While cutting Clayborn won’t add a ton of money, every little bit will count. Cutting Clayborn at any point moving forward will open up $3 million in cap space. Expect the Browns to wait on any decision for Clayborn until after the NFL draft, as they could make this decision based on the outcome of their draft class.