Browns: Cutting Adrian Clayborn was the right call after his 2020 season

The Browns have decided to cut defensive end Adrian Clayborn after just one subpar year, a clear sign that Cleveland was unhappy with his play.

Besides a few big moments in the playoffs, the Browns did not get their money’s worth for defensive end Adrian Clayborn. The Browns signed Clayborn to a two-year, $5.75 million deal just last year. The 32-year-old got a contract worth more than he deserved, something we mentioned last year. The veteran had only really had two good years as a player, with only one season of nine sacks.

At the time, many felt Claybornw as a good signing for Cleveland. Something that ended up not being true. The Browns will save over $2 million after releasing him, taking a $500k hit in the process.

Clayborn was a risky signing at best, with his age and lack of production, it felt like he was brought in because GM Andrew Berry didn’t get the guy he really wanted, so he settled for Clayborn. The Browns will now attempt to replace not just Clayborn, but the man he was signed to backup, Olivier Vernon.

Vernon blew out his achellies and may never play again, and now Cleveland will have to replace both Clayborn and Vernon.

What this means going forward?

The Browns will likely do three things now that Clayborn is gone. First, they’ll likely re-sign Porter Gustin. While Gustin didn’t record a sack, he improved throughout the year as a guy on the line, and showed great potential. A full year off season conditioning could see Gustin take the next step. Secondly, they’ll probably draft a defensive end high in the draft. Where at in the draft really depends on the next entry. Number three, they’ll sign a pass rusher to play end. Whether it’s free agent Trey Hendrickson, or someone who bounced around last year like Yannick Ngakoue, the Browns will go get a veteran of some type.

If they get someone like Clayborn, an older player looking for one last shot, then they’ll probably draft a defensive end in the first round. If they get a guy like Hendrickson, don’t expect an end until the third or fourth round.

The Browns will probably look to move on from a few other players before free agency begins.