The Cleveland Browns will try to keep the success going after being in the playoffs in 2020. To be a constant competitor for the next several years, the Browns must make wise free-hand decisions. Cleveland has 26 free agents in 2021, highlighted by defensive players with edge rusher Olivier Vernon, cornerback Terrance Mitchell, linebacker BJ Goodson, and security guards Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph.
Loss of revenue due to COVID-19 will affect any team, but with so many free agents, the likely drop in the league-wide salary cap could make things difficult. The 2020 number was around $ 198 million, while the 2021 number could drop to $ 180.5 million, according to data Over the cap.
Franchise / transition day opportunities
Vernon is an interesting case as he put together a solid 2020 season on the other side of Myles Garrett after struggling the previous season. He finished last year with nine sacks, but just as he was about to hit the free agency market, Vernon broke his Achilles in the last regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
There was speculation that Cleveland would put the franchise tag on linebacker Joe Schobert last season, but the Browns let him go and he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland will no longer be allowed to use its Franchise Day during this off-season.
Salary cap
Estimated Cap Space 2021: $ 17,936,157
2021 transactions
Free agent signings
TBD
Free agent departures
TBD
Trades
TBD
Notable free agents
Brown’s 2021 Free Agents
| Item | player | 2020 team | 2021 team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Item | player | 2020 team | 2021 team |
| WR | KhaDarel Hodge * | Browns | |
| WR | Rashard Higgins | Browns | |
| WR | Marvin Hall | Browns | |
| WR | Taiwan Taylor | Browns | |
| WR | JoJo Natson | Browns | |
| LT | Kendall Lamb | Browns | |
| LG | Anthony Fabiano * | Browns | |
| EDGE | Olivier Vernon | Browns | |
| DT | Vincent Taylor | Browns | |
| IDL | Larry Ogunjobi | Browns | |
| LB | Tae Davis * | Browns | |
| LB | BJ 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 |
* Designates Restricted Free Agent (RFA)
Salary cap
Estimated space for 2021: $ XXXXXXXXXXX
