Could a couple of underwhelming Browns players be on the chopping block? At least one analyst at NFL.com sees the potential for the new-look Browns to part ways with a couple of veteran players in the coming weeks.
Starting right tackle Chris Hubbard and defensive end Olivier Vernon earned mentions in the AFC cut candidates offering from Gregg Rosenthal on NFL.com. Neither is pegged as a prime candidate, but their inclusion is noteworthy.
Vernon is the first name listed under the “potential surprise cuts”, though many in the Cleveland media would tell you any potential move on Vernon is no surprise. As a pass rusher, Vernon posted just modest numbers despite generating pressure effectively. His burdensome contract is the bigger reason why Vernon would be sent packing after just one season; Rosenthal notes cutting Vernon saves the Browns over $15 million.
Hubbard is lumped in with a cluster of players deemed “in trouble”. His wildly ineffective play as the starting right tackle the last two seasons has been one of the biggest disappointments in modern Browns free agency.
While he’s not listed in this article, linebacker Christian Kirksey–injured all of last season–is another prime candidate to be cut by Cleveland.