3 Browns Veterans That Could Be Cap Casualty Cuts This Offseason

The Cleveland Browns entered last season coming off the franchise's first playoff berth since 2002. After making some flashy additions last offseason, expectations were understandably high. But the wheels fell off in 2021. Baker Mayfield took a huge step backward as he battled through injuries, and the team limped to an underwhelming 8-9 finish.

Still, this is one of the most loaded rosters in football. If Mayfield can get back to his 2019-20 form, and general manager Andrew Berry makes some savvy additions, Cleveland could be right back in the playoff picture this season.

But to do that, Berry might need to clear some cap space. Here are three Browns vets that could be cap-casualty cuts this offseason.

Browns Cuts 2022

3. John Kelly, RB

Cleveland is projected to have $28.8 million in cap space this offseason (No. 11 in the NFL), per Spotrac. Clearing space isn't exactly a necessity, but it could help pave the way for some big-time additions like Amari Cooper. Cutting John Kelly is an easy way to open up some space. Running back is probably the most loaded position group on the roster, and moving on from Kelly saves just shy of $1 million. That money could come in handy, and it's hard to see Kelly making a real impact here in 2022.

2. Case Keenum, QB

Having a solid backup QB is extremely important when your starter is as injury prone as Baker Mayfield. And Case Keenum is one of the best backups in the league. But the $7.1 million Cleveland would save by moving on could be really tough to pass up. If the Browns need to clear space for a big-time move, cutting Keenum is an easy way to get that done. Keenum also doesn't exactly have the highest ceiling, and the Browns might be better off taking a low-risk, high-reward flyer on someone like Marcus Mariota.

1. Jarvis Landry, WR

Cutting or trading your best wide receiver might feel a little counterproductive, especially since the Browns don't have many other good wideouts. But if his Twitter is any indication, Jarvis Landry doesn't exactly seem certain that he's coming back to Cleveland in 2022. A change of scenery could be best for both sides here. Moving on from Landry would save the Browns a whopping $14.8 million. That would give the Browns the freedom to rebuild this WR group from the ground up, as there are plenty of talented receivers available in both free agency and the NFL Draft. If Cleveland wants to make some splashy additions, Landry might be on his way out this offseason.

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Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. 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.