The Cleveland Browns will look to keep the success rolling after finding themselves in the playoffs in 2020. To be a consistent contender the next few years, the Browns will need to make smart decisions in free agency. Cleveland has 26 free agents in 2021 highlighted by defensive players with edge rusher Olivier Vernon, cornerback Terrance Mitchell, linebacker B.J. Goodson and safeties Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph.
Lost revenue due to COVID-19 will impact every team, but with so many free agents the likely drop in the league wide salary cap number could make things difficult. The 2020 number was around $198 million, while the 2021 number could drop to $180.5 million according to Over The Cap, but is subject to change.
Franchise/Transition Tag possibilities
Vernon is an interesting case as he put together a solid 2020 season on the opposite side of Myles Garrett after struggling the season prior. He finished this past year with nine sacks but just as he was about to hit the free agency market, Vernon ruptured his Achilles in the final game of the regular season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There was speculation Cleveland would place the franchise tag on linebacker Joe Schobert last season, but the Browns let him walk and he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland may not use its franchise tag again this offseason.
Salary cap
Estimated 2021 cap space: $17,936,157
2021 transactions
Free agent signings
TBD
Free agent departures
TBD
Trades
TBD
Notable unrestricted free agents
Browns 2021 Free Agents
Pos | Player | 2020 Team | 2021 Team |
---|---|---|---|
Pos | Player | 2020 Team | 2021 Team |
WR | KhaDarel Hodge* | Browns | |
WR | Rashard Higgins | Browns | |
WR | Marvin Hall | Browns | |
WR | Taywan Taylor | Browns | |
WR | JoJo Natson | Browns | |
LT | Kendall Lamm | Browns | |
LG | Anthony Fabiano* | Browns | |
EDGE | Olivier Vernon | Browns | |
DT | Vincent Taylor | Browns | |
IDL | Larry Ogunjobi | Browns | |
LB | Tae Davis* | Browns | |
LB | B.J. Goodson | Browns | |
LB | Malcolm Smith | Browns | |
LB | Elijah Lee | Browns | |
CB | Tavierre Thomas* | Browns | |
CB | Terrance Mitchell | Browns | |
CB | Kevin Johnson | Browns | |
S | Andrew Sendejo | Browns | |
S | Karl Joseph | Browns | |
K | Cody Parkey | Browns |
* Denotes Restricted Free Agent (RFA)
Salary cap
Estimated 2021 cap space: $XXXXXXXXXXX