Vernon traded to Browns for guard
The Giants are weakening their defensive line in order to improve their offensive line.
The team agreed to trade Pro Bowl pass rusher Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for right guard Kevin Zeitler. 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 with the Miami Dolphins.
Vernon’s arrival as another edge rusher could free up Myles Garrett from double teams and allow the Browns to focus on a defensive tackle in the draft. There is depth at that position in this year’s class, and Cleveland could land one with the No. 17 overall pick.
Vernon is set to make $15.5 million in each of the two remaining years on his contract.
Zeitler 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. The 29-year-old was one of Cleveland’s best linemen last season, helping anchor the group following Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas’ retirement.
Zeitler joins an underperforming line in New York that he should upgrade significantly.
The Giants struggled mightily to protect Eli Manning last season, allowing 47 sacks. But running back Saquon Barkley was the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year despite playing behind an inconsistent unit.
Zeitler should vastly improve that group, although New York could look to draft offensive linemen next month. But his addition allows the Giants to focus their first-round spot, sixth overall, on other needs, perhaps even on a quarterback.