Cleveland Browns fans have gotten so used to being at the very top of just about every “most expensive ____” list. It didn’t matter if it was offenses, defenses, quarterbacks, linebackers, or defensive backs; Cleveland was always near the top.
That is no longer the reality.
After the Myles Garrett trade, Cleveland’s defense went from being one of the most expensive in 2026 to one of the lease. Cleveland’s defensive roster costs a total of $114M, which, ironically enough, os one spot ahead of the Los Angeles Rams, who are $110M.
This change in the payroll of the Browns’ roster was the goal of this offseason. General manager Andrew Berry commented at the start of the offseason that the Browns were going to get significantly younger this year and, in doing so, they would trim some costs.
The change from Garrett to Jared Verse was a change in production of several sacks, but a change in dollars of over $30M in 2027. Cleveland moved on from their generational star to add to their young foundation on that side of the ball.
Berry also hinted that this offseason wasn’t going to be a huge money spending offseason, but that next offseason might be one where the Browns really go after the top guys. For now, Cleveland is going to hang its hat on all of their young players on rookie contracts.
Mason Graham mans the line in year two, Carson Schwesinger is a future All-Pro linebacker in year two, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren joins undrafted free agent Ronnie Hickman at the third level of the Browns’ defense, all on their rookie contracts.
The biggest contracts left on the Cleveland defense are cornerback Denzel Ward and safety Grant Delpit. While those two guys have been foundational Browns for the last near decade, their time in Cleveland is certainly winding down.
The shave of salary this offseason is all a part of the plan. It will absolutely reflect itself on Sundays in the fall, but the Browns are still going to be very competitive, maybe not quite as dominant.
Regardless, Cleveland is finally not the most expensive roster, but it is all a part of the plan.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns are finally not even near the top of this ‘most expensive’ list
Reporting by Anthony Moeglin, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Anthony Moeglin, Browns Wire | USA TODAY Network
