The Cleveland Browns freed up $12 million in cap space by releasing veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Might they put that space towards extending offensive stars?
Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac noted the extra cash could ultimately be used in contract extensions for quarterback Baker Mayfield and running back Nick Chubb.
Sheldon Richardson’s release frees up $12M of cap space for the #Browns & could help pave the way to multi-year extensions for QB Baker Mayfield, & RB Nick Chubb. https://t.co/g4fWfJpl8x
— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 16, 2021
Some might wonder how the potential extensions could be related to the Richardson transaction given the veteran DT was already slated to be a free agent next season.
The Browns, in essence, are creating rollover cap space. That means quite a bit in possible efforts to lock up both Mayfield and Chubb, whenever their deals might start.
Both players are eligible for extensions. Mayfield had his best season with the Browns in 2020, throwing for 3,563 yards and 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. His 72.2 total QBR eviscerated his 54.4 mark in 2019.
Chubb is one of the most efficient and explosive runners in football. The former Georgia star rushed for 1,067 yards on a whopping 5.6 yards per carry and racked up 12 rushing touchdowns despite missing four games due to an ankle sprain. This comes just one year after being the second-leading rusher in the NFL behind Derrick Henry.
It should be noted Richardson will sorely be missed on the defensive interior. He had 4.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, and 64 combined tackles in 2020, also notching three passes defended.
However, the addition of Jadeveon Clowney gives the Browns a lethal duo of pass rushers alongside Myles Garrett, which should also free space up for the defensive tackles.
The Richardson move very well could be preemptively suggesting eventual extensions for both Mayfield and Chubb.
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