The Cleveland Browns, who made major steps in 2018 to return to relevance, have agreed to a deal that will help them continue to improve.
The Browns have agreed to acquire defensive end Olivier Vernon from the New York Giants in exchange for right guard Kevin Zeitler. In addition, the Browns will send a fifth round pick in the draft to New York, while they will receive a 4th rounder.
Vernon, one of the top pass rushers in the NFL, will pair with Myles Garrett on the Cleveland defensive lines to form what could be one of the most formidable pass rushes in the league.
Named to his first Pro Bowl in 2018, Vernon has long been considered one of the top players in the NFL at his position since being drafted by the Dolphins in the 2012 NFL Draft.
He has two years and $31 million left on the deal that he signed with the Giants before the 2016 season. One of the Giants’ reasons for trading him was to free up cap space.
On the other side, the Giants will welcome a solid and dependable left guard to help protect quarterback Eli Manning.
This seems like a classic deal that will end up as a win for both sides.
