Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters on Monday that DE Olivier Vernon ruptured his Achilles and will be out for the season, per Jake Trotter.
Stefanski called it a huge loss for Cleveland given Vernon’s leadership and pass rushing ability.
It’s also a massive blow to Vernon, who was set to become a free agent but now faces rehab for a major injury. Achilles injuries can take a year or more to fully recover from.
Expect the Browns to place Vernon on injured reserve soon.
Vernon, 30, 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 2020, Vernon appeared in 14 games for the Browns and recorded 36 tackles, nine sacks, one forced fumble, one recovery, a safety and three pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 21 edge rusher out of 115 qualifying players.
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