3 Worst Contracts on the Browns Payroll Right Now

The Cleveland Browns have a history over overpaying in the offseason while letting some talented players skip town early, and what's left of John Dorsey's final roster in Cleveland is full of unsightly contracts that are paying several noteworthy Browns far above what their play says they should make. These three stand out as the most ugly contracts currently on Cleveland's payroll.

3. DT Sheldon Richardson

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

A star in Rex Ryan's defense with the New York Jets, Todd Bowles moved Richardson to outside linebacker in his defense, and his career hasn't recovered since. After stops with the Seahawks and Vikings, Richardson signed a three-year, $37 million contract in Cleveland. Richardson will count for over $27 million in cap hits in the next two years. While numbers like 62 tackles and three sacks are certainly solid, they don't justify the huge payday that Cleveland is giving to the third-most talented member of their defensive line.

2. OT Chris Hubbard

Cleveland Browns right tackle Chris Hubbard / Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

The Browns offensive line is a complete wreck at the moment, and Hubbard's turnstile impersonation at right tackle is a big reason why. He allowed seven sacks on this season, earning an ugly 50.6 grade from PFF. Hubbard is scheduled to make $19 million over the next three years, and his deal will eat up $5 million in dead cap. Considering that Hubbard isn't a starting-caliber right tackle, anything in the eight-figure range is much too expensive for him.

1. DE Olivier Vernon

Cleveland Browns defensive end Olivier Vernon / Al Pereira/Getty Images

Vernon, a prime cut candidate this offseason, only has one year left on his contract, but his $15.5 million cap hit next season makes him the highest-paid player on a Browns roster that includes Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. Vernon, acquired for stalwart guard Kevin Zeitler, made just 26 tackles and picked up only 3.5 sacks, both of which are career-worst numbers, in Steve Wilks' defense. Unless Vernon digs deep and rediscovers whatever made him great in Miami, the last year of the five-year, $85 million deal he signed with the Giants a few seasons ago is going to weigh heavily on Cleveland this season.