On March 1, the Cleveland Browns announced a trade with the New York Giants that brought defensive end Olivier Vernon to the Browns and sent guard Kevin Zeitler to the Giants. There were many things to like about the move, but one potential negative for the team was the hit to the team’s salary cap.
In approximate numbers, by taking on Vernon’s $15.5 million 2019 contract and sending New York Zeitler’s $10 million contract, it left the team with a $5.5 million cap hit.
Vernon is owed $15.5 million for the next two seasons. There is no guaranteed money remaining on his contract so the team could release him at any time without salary cap ramifications.