Cleveland Browns ‘Survivor’: Who gets kicked off 2020 roster?

With new people leading the organization, the Cleveland Browns look poised for some roster turnover, so let’s give it the “Survivor” treatment.

It’s time to play everyone’s favorite game, the home version of “Survivor”, as we venture a few guesses about who’ll be left standing after the next Cleveland Browns roster purge.

With new leadership at the helm, personnel moves heading into the start of the NFL’s 2020 league year on March 18 and beyond portend a healthy amount of roster activity.

THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN. IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO GO.

OLIVIER VERNON: Between his injury history, fair-to-middling play, and $15.5 million cap number for 2020, it’s hard to envision Vernon suiting up for a second season with the Browns.

CHRISTIAN KIRKSEY: This one hurts. A favorite with fans and teammates alike, Kirko’s inability to stay on the field and his $9.95 million cap hit suggests that his days could very well be numbered in Berea.

T.J. CARRIE: Whether Steve Wilks’ 4-2-5 defense or his actual personnel is at fault, 2019 wasn’t a stellar year for Browns’ defensive backs. Owed $8.15 million next season, keeping Carrie in his role as a back-up seems unlikely.

CHRIS HUBBARD: Totally agreeing with the popular opinion that upgrading the Browns’ offensive line this offseason is job one, we can’t see a scenario where Chris Hubbard and his $7.2-plus million number survive the anticipated roster turnover.

GRAB YOUR STUFF AND HEAD BACK TO CAMP. GOODNIGHT.

ODELL BECKHAM, JR.: Despite the OBJ fatigue that appears to be permeating the Browns universe, we can’t help but feel that a new coaching staff and the simple fact that his talent is unparalleled combine to make his return a no-brainer. From all appearances, Beckham and others simply took advantage of the fact that Freddie Kitchens seemed like a de facto substitute teacher instead of a strong, respected leader.

DAVID NJOKU: See Freddie Kitchens, substitute teacher, above. It can’t be mere coincidence that formerly productive Browns players found themselves in the head coach’s unspoken doghouse. We still see a hard-working, athletic talent with upside, especially at just $3 million for 2020.

TERRANCE MITCHELL: While not a big name, “Money Mitch” was very effective as a starting cornerback for the Browns before getting hurt in 2018. At just a $3.6-plus million number and with a new defensive staff taking over, we’d like to see Mitchell return.

*KAREEM HUNT: With an asterisk denoting his status as a restricted free agent, we’re hoping that Kevin Stefanski is licking his chops at the prospect of having Hunt in his offensive arsenal and that the Browns get him signed, especially with over $50 million in cap space projected to work with.

When we hear the word “churn”, we think of butter and ice cream, but in Cleveland Browns parlance, it more accurately applies to the annual rite of passage called roster turnover. We’re hoping that this offseason’s churning produces results that finally exceed everyone’s expectations.