If the Cleveland Browns do end up relying on a return to analytics in 2020, these three players may be in the biggest trouble in terms of a roster spot.
With Paul DePodesta’s name in the news a lot likely, a return to analytics seem very likely, assuming the team doesn’t hire Josh McDaniels.
That said, if the Pats’ offensive coordinator doesn’t take the gig, DePodesta is expected to continue his role with the organization.
Even if DePo is a casualty of hiring McDaniels, analytics will still have a home in Berea, because as Jimmy Haslam mentioned, Chris Cooper has a prominent role in the coaching search. He’s listed as the Browns’ VP of football administration. You may remember him as the guy “botching” the A.J. McCarron trade.
That the Browns couldn’t file a trade before the trade deadline at the time was an embarrassing mark on the franchise, the move ended up being the right cal in the long run and it wouldn’t be a surprise to hear Cooper’s stock in the organization rose because of it.
So as the Browns begin their fifth coaching search under Haslam, here’s three players who could find their roster spots in jeopardy if DePodesta’s “Moneyball” approach is enforced.
1. Schobert
Joe Schobert will be a free agent in March, but if the Browns apply a “Moneyball” approach, don’t count on the Wisconsin product getting a new contract,even though he was a product of analytics, as fourth-round pick in the Sashi Brown led 2016 draft.
Schobert is a tackling maven and was a part of several impact plays thoughout the season. That said, he also seemed ti disappear toward the end of the season. The entire defense regressed without Myles Garrett, so that’s a factor to consider.
As for Schobert, the future free agent probably won’t return with Paul DePodesta still in place as Chief Strategy Officer. Remember, he rose to fame through Moneyball by finding production from cheaper players. With Schobert looking for Shaq Thompson-esque money, it’s just seems unlikely the Brown tare going to pony up the cash.
Now, will Paul DePodesta still be here after the new coach is hired? That remains to be seen. But with the saber metrics founder employed by the Browns, it seems like Schobert’s return is still a reach, even with John Dorsey out as general manager.
Schobert’s pending free agency is a polarizing topic among Browns fans. He made 133 tackles, picked off four passes and forced two fumbles, but his detractors will point out how he wasn’t even named to the Pro Bowl.
If you’re playing Moneyball, Schobert is the t type of player you’d replace. You’d love to have his production on a rookie deal. If you’re paying $10 million annually, then you need him to be one of the best linebackers in the league.
2. Beckham or Landry
Take your pick, but if analytics and Moneyball make a heavy return to run the decision making process, keeping two high priced receivers doesn’t add up.
Beckham is due to make $14 million next season, but the Browns have a potential out if they move on as only $2.5 million “dead money” will count against the cap. They have an out with Landry, as well. He’s due $13 million in salary and carries 4.5 million of “dead money.”
Landry proved to be Mayfield’s go-to-receiver this past season, while Odell Beckham crossed the 1,000-yard threshold in the final game of the season. It’s a lot of money, especially for Beckham, who only produced two touchdowns.
There are something working in the duo’s favor and that’s the owner. When Jimmy Haslam addressed the press following the firing of John Dorsey, he mentioned Beckham and Landry as two of the team’s core players.
Don’t misunderstand my point of view with both payers. I’m for keeping them both. I saw the receivers analytics produced: Corey Coleman and Jordan Payton anyone? If you’ll recall, that 2016 draft produced two other wideouts: Ricardo Louis and Rashard Higgins.
Higgins had one productive season out of four and the soon-to-be free agent doesn’t figure to be in the Browns plans in 2020 and beyond.
3. Vernon
It’s hard to imagine Olivier Vernon will be on the Browns in 2019, no matter who ends up coaching Cleveland.
The defensive end is due to earn $15.5 million in 2020, but injures plagued Vernon, who played in just 10 games and contributed a whopping 3.5 sacks. His absence shined a brighter light on weak the Browns’ pass rush was after Myles Garrett was suspended.
Vernon will be a 30 in October, and you can go ahead and speculate how “analytics” feels about that. If he’s on the roster next season, he’ll be the Browns’ highest paid player.
The Browns could always trade him, but that’s probably unlikely. Look for Cleveland, no matter who ends up coaching next season, to cut Vernon.
If the organization releases Vernon by June 1, Vernon will cost the team nothing under the cap, according to The Athletic’s Pat McManamon.
If Vernon is released, you’d better go ahead and add defensive edge rusher to the Browns’ list. While Chad Thomas had some moments last season, nobody really screamed “starter” with Garrett and Vernon out.