Browns, Giants agree to deal involving Vernon

The Browns didn’t wait for free agency’s opening to make some noise.

Looking for a pass rusher to bookend with Pro Bowler Myles Garrett, Cleveland has agreed to acquire defensive end Olivier Vernon from the New York Giants in exchange for guard Kevin Zeitler, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press.

The teams are also swapping draft picks, with the Browns getting No. 132 for pick No. 155. The trade won’t become official until 4 p.m. on March 13, the start of free agency and the NFL’s calendar year.

The 28-year-old Vernon started 39 games over three seasons with the Giants. He’ll give the Browns needed depth and experience up front. Vernon has 51 sacks in seven seasons, including seven last year when he was named a Pro Bowler in New York. Vernon, who has had some injury issues, spent his first four seasons with the Miami Dolphins.

Vernon is set to make $15.5 million in each of the two remaining years on his contract.

Zeitler, 29. just completed his second season with the Browns, who signed him to a five-year, $60 million deal as a free agent in 2017 after five seasons with Cincinnati. He was one of Cleveland’s best linemen last season, helping anchor the group following Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas’ retirement. Zeitler’s spot will likely be filled by Austin Corbett, a second-round pick last season.

Rams: Veteran safety Eric Weddle agreed to a twoyear deal with Los Angeles, returning to his native Southern California to join the defending NFC champions’ secondary. The Rams also released starting linebacker Mark Barron, continuing a shuffle of veteran personnel after going 13-3 in the regular season and reaching the Super Bowl last month.

Weddle joins the Rams after a 12-year pro career with San Diego and Baltimore.

Dolphins: Receiver Danny Amendola has been released, creating $6 million salary cap space for the team.

Packers: Released linebacker Antonio Morrison after one season, freeing some $2 million in salary cap space.

Cardinals: Released safety Antoine Bethea and quarterback Mike Glennon, and re-signed running back D.J. Foster to a one-year deal.

RICHARD W. RODRIGUEZ / FORT WORTH STARTELEGRAM /TNS Defensive end Olivier Vernon (54) hits Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) during a 2016 game. Vernon has 51 sacks in 7 seasons.