Olivier Vernon Edge Rusher
Vernon could miss the entire 2021 season after suffering a torn Achilles with the Browns at the end of 2020. Vernon had 36 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits and nine sacks in 14 games with 13 starts for Cleveland in 2020. Suffering the Achilles injury on the verge of free agency was unfortunate timing.
Vernon has been a consistent pass rusher for most of his NFL career. Vernon has 6.5 sacks in seven of the last eight seasons. Among active players in the NFL, Vernon is 20th with 63.5 sacks. Campbell is ninth with 92 sacks. Vernon is likely to miss the entire 2020 season with the possibility of returning late.
Expecting an NFL Team to sign a free agent who is questionable for this season is a lot to ask. Vernon seems likely to sit out the 2021 season and hopefully be able to sign with a team for 2022. PFF projects Vernon to sign a one-year $2.075 million contract with $1.075 guaranteed without specifying the team.
Vernon signing a contract for the 2021 season seems like a longshot. The best situation for Vernon is to rehab and hope that an NFL team needs a situational pass rusher during a playoff push. The best possible scenario for Vernon is to help a team late in 2021 and use that into free agency in 2022.
Olivier Vernon came on strong in the second half of the year when the #Browns needed him most (WKs 9-17, among qualifying EDs):
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) January 5, 2021
Defensive grade - 80.3 (11th)
Pass rush grade - 77.5 (16th)
Sacks - 7 (3rd)
With Vernon out for the season, more will be asked of Clayborn and Gustin pic.twitter.com/8M0acwoIpi
"50. EDGE OLIVIER VERNON While we’re a few years removed from Vernon’s best play, he’s been one of the better pass rushers in the league over the past few seasons. Unfortunately, a Week 17 Achilles injury has his 2021 status in doubt, but a healthy Vernon graded at 74.6 last season to go with 51 pressures, so he is still a capable No. 2 rusher assuming a return to health. Contract Analysis: The timing could not have been worse for Vernon, suffering his Achilles injury on January 4 — just two and a half months out from free agency. The 2021 season is a recovery year for the proven veteran edge rusher. It could work out all right for him if he can get back on the field toward the end of the year, show he has no lingering issues from the injury and then hit free agency in a potentially better market. Prediction: Vernon signs for one year, $2.075 million, $1.075 million total guaranteed."