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3 Browns Players Who Could Be Traded or Cut if the Salary Cap Drops in 2021

By michael obermuller

Odell Beckham Jr. has been a constant in trade talks the last three years, 2021 will be no different if the Browns don't win a Super Bowl.
Odell Beckham Jr. has been a constant in trade talks the last three years, 2021 will be no different if the Browns don't win a Super Bowl. / Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
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Like the rest of the world, the NFL could feel the effects of the pandemic on their financials. The impact would come in the form of a salary cap reduction in 2021, and like every other franchise, the Cleveland Browns will have to adjust their long-term plans accordingly.

With Baker Mayfield on his rookie deal, the Browns have been able to spend big money in free agency, but that extra freedom won't last forever. Here are three players who could leave Cleveland in 2021, as the Browns get their cap space in order.

3. David Njoku, TE

This is most likely Njoku's last season in Cleveland.
This is most likely Njoku's last season in Cleveland. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

After three seasons in the league, the former first round draft pick has failed to make a consistent impact in Cleveland. In some ways, David Njoku's fate may already be sealed once his rookie contract becomes too much to manage. The franchise has already spent big money on his replacement, Austin Hooper, and after Njoku's injury/benching in 2019, it seems there is little chance of a partnership beyond 2020. Plus, he's set to make over $6 million in '21, but would cost the Browns nothing to cut loose.

2. Chris Hubbard, OT

Chris Hubbard has already been replaced long-term, it's only a matter of time before he is cut.
Chris Hubbard has already been replaced long-term, it's only a matter of time before he is cut. / Ralph Freso/Getty Images

The offensive tackle lost in the shuffle of the Browns offseason is Chris Hubbard. With both Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. joining the organization this offseason, Hubbard looks to be the odd man out. With a horrid grade of 50.5 overall on PFF in 2019, this is not undeserved. Hubbard would make a little over $8 million in 2021, but would only cost them $2.26 million if they cut him next offseason (plus $1.13 million in 2022). It would cost more to cut him sooner, so the Browns may be stuck with Hubbard for now, but not for too long.

1. Odell Beckham Jr., WR

OBJ has already made it clear he would be open to a trade away from Cleveland, but so far the Browns have decided to keep the polarizing star.
OBJ has already made it clear he would be open to a trade away from Cleveland, but so far the Browns have decided to keep the polarizing star. / Gary Miller/Getty Images

Always a constant in trade talks, there is no reason to believe Odell Beckham Jr. won't be again in 2021 (unless he leads them to a championship). His cap hit would be $15.75 million in 2021, the highest on the roster, and the Browns have already considered shopping him this year. Assuming this shaky marriage doesn't divorce sooner than expected, a salary cap reduction could be the final straw that forces Cleveland's hand.

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Michael Obermuller is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Michael Obermuller also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username king_mizzard. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.