Olivier Vernon:
Man, the Cleveland Browns were supposed to have an absolutely disgusting (in a good way) pass rush in 2019. Myles Garrett was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate and the team added Olivier Vernon via trade to give him a partner in crime. Things didn’t quite work out the way they hoped, however, and Vernon could be on his way out of Cleveland.
Vernon is owed $15.5 million for the 2020 season and cutting him would give the Browns all of that money back. They’d be wise to do so considering Vernon gave them just 3.5 sacks in 10 games for the entirety of 2019.
The Baltimore Ravens pass rush leaves a lot to be desired currently and it could get worse if Matt Judon departs in Free Agency. Sure, the team could splurge on a pass rusher like Jadeveon Clowney or Shaquil Barrett, by why spend so much money on one guy when you can get someone for way cheaper?
Yes, Vernon isn’t elite or a big-name guy, but prior to 2019 he had at least 6.5 sacks stretching from 2013-2018. To put that in perspective the Ravens top two pass rushers, Judon and Tyus Bowser, had 9.5 and five sacks respectively. Clearly, help is needed and Vernon can provide that help.
The smart money is that Olivier Vernon hits the open market and he’d fit in perfectly in Charm City.