The great news is, the Cleveland Browns have the most cap space available in the NFL.
They’ve managed to sign Austin Hooper, Jack Conklin, and Case Keenum without breaking the bank.
Cleveland has plenty of young talent on their roster who are still on their rookie contracts.
The organization is likely going to be handing out massive extensions sooner rather than later.
As of right now, there are still a few players on the roster that are making more than they probably should be.
Although, there is one player who stands out as the most overpaid player in Cleveland going into 2020.
Olivier Vernon’s Contract
A few weeks ago, the obvious answer would’ve been defensive end Olivier Vernon.
The 29-year-old pass rusher was originally scheduled to make $15.5 million during the 2020 season.
However, the two sides came together and restructured Vernon’s deal.
The Browns and DE Olivier Vernon have agreed to a renegotiated contract, per source. Vernon, previously due $15.25M non-guaranteed, gets $11M guaranteed through a $7M signing bonus, $3.75M base salary and a $250K workout bonus, plus $2M more available via incentives.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 7, 2020
This new deal is much better for the Browns and it gives them a little more money to spend elsewhere.
There were rumors that Cleveland could cut Vernon to save money, but they agreed to renegotiate the deal.
After lowering his salary, Vernon’s job appears to be safe and the Browns have some extra cap space.
However, Vernon is now making significantly less and has taken himself out of the conversation for most overpaid player in Cleveland.
Who is Making The Most Money?
As stated earlier, the Browns have a lot of young players on their rookie deals.
They don’t have many players making over $10 million per year on their team right now
In fact, Spotrac reports that only three players on the Browns roster are making over $10 million this season.
Those three players are wide receivers Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, and defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
The organization did make Hooper the highest-paid tight end in the league this offseason.
The Browns have signed TE Austin Hooper to a 4 year $44 Million contract. pic.twitter.com/nJ3xVhPTxf
— Everything Cleveland (@everythingcle_) March 16, 2020
However, he is only making a base salary of $1.5 million next season.
Most of Hooper’s salary is towards the backend of the deal.
The Browns have been smart with their money for the most part, but a few bad deals can really drag down an entire organization.
Who is The Most Overpaid in Cleveland?
The Browns are paying two wide receivers at least $13 million or more next season.
Both Beckham and Landry have lived up to their salaries.
Last season, injuries played a part in their performances, but both were able to put up reliable numbers.
That leaves Richardson as the most overpaid player in Cleveland heading into 2020.
This season, Richardson is set to make a base salary of $11.9 million.
He recorded 62 tackles, three sacks, and three fumbles forced through 16 games with Cleveland last year.
Richardson is a solid player who was productive for the Browns last season.
Myles Garrett squeezes the down block, gets vertical once he recognizes pass & gets the sack.
Good job by Sheldon Richardson getting penetration & feeding the QB back towards Garrett! #Browns pic.twitter.com/Xtoltsyvag
— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) September 17, 2019
He is a productive player on the field, but is getting played like a Pro Bowl level talent.
The 29-year-old defensive tackle is a reliable option, but is not a star like Beckham or Landry.
The Browns don’t have many players making significant money next season.
There’s a good chance next season Richardson won’t be the most overpaid player in Cleveland.
As of right now, he is making a little too much for what he does on the field.
NEXT: Report: Myles Garrett, Browns Finalizing $125 Million Extension
