There looks to be a new approach in town and that means there could a major roster overhaul on the way for the Cleveland Browns.
With the hiring of Kevin Stefanski in place, the Browns are going back to the all-in analytics approach. This means that the group led by Paul DePodesta will look to make moves that are considered analytical friendly. Meaning players on a big contracts could be on their way out. This also applies to players who are not considered efficient. Sometimes both will apply to a certain player. Whether or not the Browns actually move on or trade any of these players will be an ongoing story to follow this offseason.
Jarvis Landry
After being acquired prior to the 2018 season, Jarvis Landry signed a new deal with the Browns. A five-year $75.5 million deal that received plenty of criticism. The biggest complaint with Landry is that he is not efficient and that clashes with the all-in analytical approach. Add in the fact he is the No. 2 receiver on the team and that makes this contract even less attractive. There is an out in Landry’s contract after the year which could lead a a not so popular decision being made about his status.
Odell Beckham Jr.
If the Browns move on from Jarvis Landry they might as well move on from Odell Beckham Jr. as well. One of the major reasons that OBJ was mostly not an issue this season was the presence of his best friend in Landry and his wide receivers coach from LSU (Adam Henry). Without one or both of those two present, there could very well be a different Odell Beckham Jr. in Cleveland. Add in the fact that Cleveland is welcoming the guy that made Stefon Diggs have blowups during games to a locker room that has Beckham in it. What were they thinking? They are inviting a ticking time bomb in to their locker room. Like Landry, Beckham has an out in his contract too and that may influence decisions in regards to roster construction.
Kareem Hunt
Having two expensive running backs on the roster is not analytically friendly. Kareem Hunt should be paid handsomely and chances are that is by someone else. Cleveland should attach a high round tender to Hunt and see what happens. Even if the previous regime was still in place it was unlikely that Hunt would have returned.
Olivier Vernon
Olivier Vernon is entering the final year of his contract and will be making $15.25 million this season. The 29-year old defensive end had a down year in his first season with the Browns. Finishing with only 26 tackles and 3.5 sacks in just 10 games played. This seems like a surefire trade candidate for the Browns as they look for someone less expensive and more productive.
Sheldon Richardson
Sheldon Richardson is another trade candidate. Richardson signed a three-year deal before 2019 with an out after the second year. A team looking to improve their defensive line could come calling. If things work out for Richardson and his prospective new club they can play out the remainder of his deal. If not, they can go their separate ways.
