Now that the Gerald McCoy drama is over, it’s time for the Browns to focus on the players who are actually on the roster along the defensive line.
Good news: the Browns still sport a formidable defensive line even without McCoy, who opted to sign with the Carolina Panthers on a 1-year deal worth a reported $8 million.
The ends have a chance to be truly special. Myles Garrett is a Pro Bowler and has quickly established himself as one of the most disruptive forces in the league in his first two seasons. Newcomer Olivier Vernon is a massive upgrade over Emmanuel Ogbah on the other side, a better scheme fit with his ability to play standing up and attack inside or outside.
McCoy would have made the interior spots stronger, no doubt. But what’s still in Cleveland is nothing to sneer at. In fact, the Browns already landed a preeminent tackle in free agency in Sheldon Richardson.
Richardson has bounced around lately, but he’s three years younger than McCoy and coming off a better season (49 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 6 TFLs in 16 games) to boot. He’ll start next to young Larry Ogunjobi, who was even more productive in just his second NFL season: 52 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 10 TFLs.
That’s a formidable combination on the inside, one many teams would covet. There is even an experienced starter in Trevon Coley as the top reserve, and he can fill in for either starter for a couple of series per game. Brian Price and Carl Davis will get another shot to prove they can step up; Price in particular has flashed some legit ability when given a chance.
Adding McCoy would have been very nice. He’s made 6 Pro Bowls for good reason, and the Panthers just got better. But McCoy’s decision doesn’t leave the Browns wandering in a field of despair along the defensive line. It’s still (or rather should be) one of the best defensive fronts in the league.
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