Tag: Olivier Vernon

The Hurry Up Podcast: Danny Kelly of The Ringer on Browns, Seahawks Rumors

Danny Kelly of The Ringer joins host Mac Robinson to discuss the Browns-Seahawks trade rumors and more

Host Mac Robinson is joined by Danny Kelly from The Ringer to talk all of the Browns-Seahawks rumors, from Superstar Russell Wilson possibly traded to the Browns in 2018 to Myles Garrett’s rumored trade to Seattle earlier in the week. Kelly also broke down the Browns draft and some of his favorite picks, along with some of the best storylines for the Browns schedule heading into the 2020 season.

Mac also breaks down the offseason comparisons of players, Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan’s comments regarding the offseason and Jedrick Wills’ transition from right tackle to left tackle, as well as the Baker Boot Camp taking place in Texas!

Be sure to follow Mac (@MacRobinson95) and the podcast (@HurryUpPodcast) on Twitter for all of the latest news and notes surrounding the podcast, the Browns, and all things football! Feel free to support the podcast today by becoming a patron!

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Giants’ 2020 schedule released: 5 most intriguing games

The New York Giants’ 2020 regular season schedule has been released and these are the five most intriguing games.

On Thursday, the 2020 NFL regular season schedule was released. And although the New York Giants’ opponents have been decided for quite some time, we had all been anxiously awaiting news on when they would play each of those teams.

Of course, divisional games always have a little more intrigue surrounding them, but the Giants certainly have some other interesting games on their schedule this year.

Let’s take a look at the most intriguing games on Big Blue’s 2020 schedule:

SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network, USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Week 12 at Cincinnati Bengals

This is one of two games on the Giants’ schedule where two of the top five picks in this year’s draft will face off. The Giants will travel to Cincinnati to play top overall pick Joe Burrow.

Burrow and the Bengals will be going up against the Giants and Daniel Jones in his second season in the league. And with Eli Manning now retired, this is Daniel Jones team to run.

The Burrow/Jones matchup will be a battle of two of the young and talented quarterbacks in the league. Fourth overall pick Andrew Thomas will be protecting Daniel Jones as he tries to improve in his sophomore season.

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Kevin Stefanski gives vote of confidence to Olivier Vernon’s future in Cleveland

The Browns did not draft an EDGE

Entering the 2020 NFL Draft weekend, many expected the Cleveland Browns to do something to address the EDGE position opposite Myles Garrett. You know, Olivier Vernon’s spot.

Vernon played well but didn’t produce on the stat sheet (3.5 sacks in 9 games) in his first season in Cleveland. The veteran also had injuries. Coupled with his hefty contract — Vernon is due a team-high $15.5 million in 2020 — there was a common school of thought that the Browns would replace or at least reinforce the position.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski shot that line of thinking down pretty quicky in his post-draft press teleconference. He was asked if Vernon remains in the Browns’ plans for 2020.

“That’s my assumption,” Stefanski quipped. “Obviously, I think Olivier is a really great player, unfortunately he was banged up a little bit. We look forward to all our guys contributing next year.”

He cautioned against reading too much — or too little — into the team not selecting any defensive ends or outside linebackers in the draft.

“I wouldn’t say it was a message of any sort, the fact we didn’t draft a defensive end. We’re not in the business of sending messages via the draft. We trusted the board and as the players came up, we made sure that we had the right people for the job,” Stefanski said.

NFL.com has Titans going in different direction in 2012 draft do-over

The Titans selected former Baylor Bears wide receiver Kendall Wright with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round ahead of that season.

Hindsight is 20/20, and there are plenty of decisions teams have made in drafts of previous years that they wish they could have back.

The Tennessee Titans are no exception, and 2012 is probably a year the team would choose to go back and make a different selection.

The Titans selected former Baylor Bears wide receiver Kendall Wright with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round ahead of that year.

But what if they had taken defensive end Olivier Vernon?

Vernon, who was taken at No. 72 overall in the third round of the draft out of Miami by the Dolphins, is who NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt believes the Titans should have chosen instead.

“Wright only produced one 1,000-yard season (in 2013), never becoming the WR1 the Titans were looking for,” he wrote. “Vernon, who posted 29 sacks in his first four seasons in Miami, would have filled Tennessee’s need for an edge rusher.”

Wright spent five years in Nashville, posting 280 receptions for 3,244 yards and 18 touchdowns, playing his most recent season of football with the Chicago Bears in 2017.

The wideout had 59 receptions for the 614 yards and one touchdown for the team that season.

Vernon has amassed 353 tackles, 255 solo, 141 quarterback hits, eight forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries two passes defensed and one interception over eight seasons in the NFL.

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Browns need to be cautious, prudent in pursuit of Jadeveon Clowney

Clowney is not a better player than Olivier Vernon and the Browns shouldn’t pay him as such

Several reports are floating around now, bringing the whispers many have heard quietly for weeks into the mainstream cacophony: The Cleveland Browns have legitimate interest in signing free agent EDGE Jadeveon Clowney. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta both reported the interest on Saturday.

Fans are probably quite excited at hearing Clowney’s name. He still carries significant recognition and cache value from being the No. 1 overall pick in 2014. His crushing hit on Michigan RB DeVeon Smith while at South Carolina remains one of the biggest college football highlights of the last decade.

Here’s the reality check, from someone who covered Clowney’s 2017-2018 seasons in Houston and watched most of his NFL snaps before and after it, including last season in Seattle.

He’s not better than the Olivier Vernon who played in Cleveland in 2019. He’s certainly not worth paying more than Vernon is due to make in 2020 even though Clowney has already lowered his contract expectations.

Here’s how Clowney and Vernon stacked up last season, the first year with new teams for both veteran pass rushers.

Snaps Sacks QB Pressures

(Per PFF)

 PFF pass rush

grade

 Overall PFF

grade
Vernon 508 4 24 75.7 80.4
Clowney 712 3 43 76.7 80.8

 

Clowney did generate more pressure per pass rush snap in Seattle than Vernon did in Cleveland. But the grades are almost exactly the same and Vernon converted more of those pressures into sacks. Clowney hit the QB just two more times than Vernon (13 to 11) in over 200 more snaps, per Pro Football Reference. The Browns just signed Adrian Clayborn, who had four sacks, 39 hurries and a 76.7 PFF pass rush grade in less than 450 snaps for just $6 million for 2020.

There are two days to interpret that information. Either Clowney isn’t as good as advertised or the $20 million a year he was asking for, or Vernon is better than Browns fans — most of whom want him shipped out of town on a high-speed train — think he was.

Where Browns GM Andrew Berry and his staff really need to be mindful is in the economics of the situation. If they want to bring in Clowney and replace Vernon, it’s somewhat justifiable from a football sense. While they’ve been very similar players for the last few years, Clowney is over two years younger. Clowney has missed just five games in the last three years to Vernon’s 15. But the money must matter, too.

Vernon is in the final season of a contract he signed years ago with the New York Giants. He will earn $15.5 million in 2020 and then he’s a free agent. No future obligations are due Vernon, which is important for a Browns team that needs to come up with contract extensions for Myles Garrett, Baker Mayfield, Denzel Ward, Nick Chubb and (maybe) Kareem Hunt in the next 12-18 months.

Clowney earned $15 million in 2019, a figure split between the Texans and Seahawks. He got dealt because he wanted more from the Texans than the franchise tag figure, and he didn’t re-sign with the Seahawks for the same reason. This past week, Clowney dropped his long-term contract demands to $17-$18 million per season from the $20 million per year he was previously seeking, according to ESPN’s Dianna Russini.

That’s simply not a worthwhile swap, especially considering the rate Clayborn — again, a more effective pass rusher than either Clowney or Vernon — just signed for with the Browns. The cap room beyond 2020 is more important than a literal handful of extra QB pressures Clowney might (might!) generate this fall.

Now if Clowney agrees to sign a one-year deal for the same money Vernon is making, it’s a smart move. But that’s about the only way the Browns’ pursuit of Clowney makes sense.

On this date: Browns traded Kevin Zeitler for Olivier Vernon 1 year ago

It’s not a trade that has held up well for the Browns

One year ago today, on March 8th, 2019, the Cleveland Browns made their first big trade of the offseason with the New York Giants. A day after dumping veteran LB Jamie Collins, the Browns dealt away longtime starting right guard Kevin Zeitler to the Giants for EDGE Olivier Vernon.

One year later, it’s not a trade many in Cleveland would make again.

Vernon struggled with injuries in his first Browns season. He played in just 10 games, registering 3.5 sacks and a career-low 26 tackles with his new team. While Vernon played better than the raw statistics would indicate, he did not have the anticipated impact on the Browns’ defense.

Zeitler was his typical solid self in his first season in New York. Starting 15 games for a rejuvenated OL, Zeitler allowed three sacks and 16 QB pressures according to Pro Football Focus grading. He did register his highest overall season grade since 2016, his last year with the Cincinnati Bengals before joining the Browns. His replacements in Cleveland, which included Wyatt Teller and Eric Kush, scored considerably lower in PFF’s grades.

Technically the trade did not go down until the new league year began, but the 8th was the date of the announced agreement to make it happen. It was quickly overshadowed by the blockbuster Odell Beckham Jr. trade, a deal that the Giants allegedly “laughed at” before making this trade involving Zeitler and Vernon.

5 potential salary cap casualties that could interest the Eagles

A.J. Bouye among 5 potential salary-cap casualties that could interest the Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles enter the 2020 NFL offseason with a need for dynamic playmakers on offense as Howie Roseman and company look to upgrade the defense at several pertinent positions also.

With the Eagles needing playmakers and upgrades on both sides of the ball and reduced prices, here are five potential salary-cap casualties that could interest the Birds:

***

1. A.J. Bouye, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars cornerback is due $15.4 million next season and his recent play doesn’t suggest that he’s worth that type of money anymore. At just 28 years of age, Bouye has both Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors on his resume.

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9 potential cuts around the NFL the Ravens could be interested in

The Baltimore Ravens love a bargain in free agency and could look to other teams’ salary cap casualties this offseason to fill needs cheaply

NFL free agency comes in a few waves every year. Though all the attention is focused on the big-name players who have expiring contracts, the salary-cap casualties are often the free agents the Baltimore Ravens are most interested in. Around the NFL’s Gregg Rosenthal looked at a bunch of players who could get cut this offseason.

Though they have more salary-cap space expected than in previous years, I’d suspect that will once again be their strategy this offseason as they look to fill their needs with value additions.

In addition to typically being cheaper options, cut players don’t count against the compensatory pick formula. The Ravens love to play against that formula to get something in return for departing players they couldn’t afford. With outside linebacker Matthew Judon among the 21 pending free agents potentially on the way out, being savvy with who they sign would be wise for Baltimore to once again game that system this year.

Here are the 9 potential cuts that would be intriguing for the Ravens this offseason.

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

EDGE Trent Murphy, Buffalo Bills

Though Murphy never quite lived up to his second-round status for the Washington Redskins, he’s still been a productive member of the Bills since being drafted. Over the last three years, Murphy has 18 sacks and started 26 of the 45 games he’s been active for.

He’s not the star player many fans would want but he’s an impact contributor who could likely be signed for a steal when compared to the top pass rushers that will hit free agency. If the Ravens are trying to completely restock their outside linebacker depth chart this offseason, Murphy would likely find a good role given Baltimore only had one player (Matthew Judon) with more sacks in 2019.

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Olivier Vernon, Chris Hubbard tabbed as potential Browns cap cuts

Could the Browns part ways with two starters along the lines?

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.

Former Giants LB Tae Davis talks Eli Manning, Odell and more

Former New York Giants LB Tae Davis talks Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., Freddie Kitchens and more with Giants Wire.

Former New York Giants linebacker Tae Davis discussed Eli Manning’s retirement press conference on Friday and reflected on his time as a teammate with the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

“He’s everything you would want in a Giants player the way he carried himself on and off the field. It hasn’t always been pretty with him having to deal with scrutiny from the media, but he has been very respectable went about it the right way,” Davis told Giants Wire.

“He’s totally unselfish. Very friendly and always there for you as a teammate if you needed someone to lean on for guidance or advice. He was just that type of guy. The way he went about things it told you everything you need to know. You could learn a lot from watching how he prepared.

“It was something that a lot of guys saw coming at some point, but it was still a shock to everyone in terms of it being the beginning of the end for Eli’s career. It was weird seeing him run scout team, it just didn’t feel right.

“I was very surprised that they pulled the plug so early but it was unfortunately one of those deals where we signed up for it as the people upstairs are the ones making decisions in the best interest of the team.”

Davis came away even more impressed with Manning after watching him handle this low moment.

“Seeing how he dealt with being benched, especially as a two-time Super Bowl champ and the history of his family name and legacy on the Giants, it was tough for him but it showed how humble he is. I’ve never seen anything like it. Guys with his success and accolades wouldn’t be willing to keep quiet and accept a backup role.

“I just remembered watching the Eagles game (Eli’s first start since being benched in Week 2) and was happy for Eli proving he could still play great football after all the things he went through earlier in the season.

“I believe he’s a lock for the Hall of Fame. He’s top 10 in passing and total touchdowns and has won 2 Super Bowls over Tom Brady.”

Davis was waived by the Giants on October 29th.

Shortly after, Davis  was picked up by the Cleveland Browns, where he would reunite with his former Giants teammates Odell Beckham Jr. and Olivier Vernon.

Davis discussed his perception of Beckham despite all the negative buzz that’s been surrounding the star wide receiver.

“The media controls a lot of opinions. I don’t think anything has changed with Odell,” Davis said. “You’re always going to have growing pains going to a new team. He’s going to get it turned around in his second year on this offense. It’s always the minor things when something comes up and gets plastered everywhere.

“I look up to Odell like an older brother, but I see him time in and time out. I see his passion and wanting to win and win the right way. Both he and OV helped a lot with my transition here and making sure I was situated coming over here at mid-season.

“We are one of the most talented teams on paper. It takes time for guys to gel together. The work ethic is there.”

Davis also commented on his now former head coach Freddie Kitchens, who the Browns fired after his first season due to the team producing a disappointing record of 6-10.

“Freddie was more of a players coach. When I got there halfway through the season, he definitely wanted to have fun. I felt he had pretty good control of the team, but at the end of the day, some guys are still going to do what they want.”

It is fair to assume the poor season plus other dysfunctional tales on and off the field with the Browns also played a role in the termination of Kitchens.

“He wasn’t a bad coach. As a first-time head coach, he was still adjusting and trying to figure out the new role. With the team we had, he had to figure it out quick. We didn’t get the job done on the field and the organization did what they felt was best, but I’m in full support of Freddie,” Davis said.

Rumors have swirled that Kitchens will be added to the Giants’ staff, reuniting him with Joe Judge. However, those rumors have not yet been confirmed.

“I wish him nothing but the best with the giants. I know he’s going to attack it with his full effort,” said Davis.

“Having a guy like him on the staff [would help] teach Judge where he went wrong/right based on his own experience. Same with Jason Garrett, it helps having that experience. If you have a staff like that, you have those multiple opinions to help coach Judge decide what’s best.”

After a promising 2018 rookie campaign with the Giants (two sacks, 33 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and one pass deflection), Davis took a step back in his sophomore season playing only two games on the Giants defense. Davis recorded three tackles before primarily serving as a special team’s player once he got to the Cleveland Browns in Week 9.

Davis told me that he has already begun making adjustments to his diet and sleep schedule this offseason in order to come into training camp rejuvenated as he hopes to get back on the same track that saw him start four games at linebacker in a productive season for the Giants back in 2018.

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