The Cleveland Browns made a big move to bolster their pass rush on Friday, acquiring linebacker Olivier Vernon in a trade with the New York Giants.
Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network report that the Browns are sending starting offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler to New York in exchange for Vernon.
The #Browns are sending G Kevin Zeitler to NYG in exchange for #Giants pass-rusher Olivier Vernon, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2019
While Vernon hasn’t exactly been the superstar the Giants hoped he would be when they signed him to a five-year, $85 million deal in 2016, he was still their best pass rusher last season. Vernon had seven sacks and 21 quarterback hits in just 11 games, as he battled an ankle injury that caused him to miss the start of the year.
Adding Vernon to a defensive front that already features Myles Garrett is a big move for the Browns. If he can remain healthy, Vernon should benefit greatly from the double-teams Garrett commands.
