According to Field Yates, the Browns and DE Olivier Vernon have agreed to a renegotiated deal that guarantees him $11 million.
Vernon was set to make $15.25 million with no guarantees in 2020, but the new deal provides him with a $7 million signing bonus, $3.75 million base salary and a $250,000 workout bonus. Vernon can also make another $2 million by hitting certain incentives.
There had been some speculation the Browns would cut Vernon to make room for free-agent DE Jadeveon Clowney. However, these guarantees assure Vernon will have a place on the 2020 roster in Cleveland.
As for beyond, Tom Pelissero says Vernon’s new deal includes a no-tag clause, meaning the pass rusher has the ability to hit free agency this offseason if he chooses.
Vernon, 29, is a former third-round pick of the Dolphins back in 2012. He played out the final year of his rookie contract before the Dolphins used their transition tag on him.
However, Miami later decided to rescind the tag and Vernon went on to sign a five-year, $85 million contract from the Giants in 2016.
New York traded Vernon to Cleveland as a part of the trade involving WR Odell Beckham in 2019.
In 2019, Vernon appeared in 10 games for the Browns and recorded 26 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 20 edge rusher out of 102 qualifying players.
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