Browns Restructure DE Olivier Vernon’s Contract

Olivier Vernon during his time with the Giants in 2017. Photo by Chris Szagola/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

Cleveland Browns will keep defensive end Olivier Vernon for the 2020 NFL season after all. According to ESPN, Browns restructured Vernon’s contract and will now guarantee him an $11 million salary this year.

Considering that Vernon didn’t have any guaranteed money on his deal, many believed that Browns will partway with the 29-year-old after a weak 2019 season. He finished the year, his first in Cleveland, with just 3.5 sacks and career-low 27 tackle.

However, Browns ended up deciding to turn Vernon’s $15.25 million non-guaranteed money into a $3.75 million base salary, a $7 million signing bonus, and a $250K workout bonus. He can also earn up to $2 million in bonuses.

As part of the restructure, Vernon also received no-tag clause, which ensures he becomes a free agent in 2021.

Olivier Vernon entered the league in 2012 as Miami Dolphins’ third-round pick and emerged as a reliable pass rusher for the organization in the next four seasons. After collecting close to 200 tackles and 29.0 sacks in Miami, Vernon joined New York Giants on a five-year, $85 million contract.

Vernon continued to have a solid production in New York but never reached the same level of play as he had with Dolphins. The Giants eventually sent him to Cleveland last year as part of Odell Beckham Jr. trade.

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