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Vernon to Cleveland, Zeitler to Giants

Pass rusher changes sack-poor teams

The Giants and Browns made a significant deal today, with guard Kevin Zeitler going to New York and pass rusher Olivier Vernon going to the Browns. It's a deal that seems to be largely influenced by contracts, as there isn't much other reason for the Browns to be parting with one of the league's very best guards for a pass rusher who's disappointed the last two seasons.

The Browns are apparently hoping last year's second-round pick Austin Corbett takes over for Zeitler, though it's a little odd they didn't think they could find room for both on their line. Whatever the case, Zeitler is one of the league's highest-paid guards (only Zack Martin and Andrew Norwell make more) and the Browns must figure they'd rather spend their money elsewhere. Like on a pass rusher.

Vernon has been a disappointment since signing a big contract with the Giants, but maybe it was the defense. New York, once best known for its pass rush (remember Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul, who the team also traded a year ago), can't get that pass rush sorted out. Over the last four seasons, only lowly Oakland (hmm, they also traded a top pass rusher away recently) has fewer sacks than the Giants.

TEAM SACKS, 2015-2018
Team'15'16'17'18Tot
Pittsburgh48385652194
Carolina44475035176
Denver52423344171
Minnesota43413750171
Arizona36483749170
Chicago35374250164
Washington38384246164
Green Bay43403744164
LA Rams41314841161
Seattle37423943161
Tennessee39404339161
Jacksonville36335537161
Kansas City47283152158
New England49344230155
Philadelphia37343844153
New Orleans31304249152
Baltimore37314143152
Houston45313243151
Cincinnati42334134150
LA Chargers32354338148
Detroit42263543146
Dallas31363839144
Tampa Bay38382238136
NY Jets39272839133
Indianapolis35332538131
Atlanta19343937129
San Francisco28333037128
Cleveland29263437126
Miami31333031125
Buffalo21392736123
NY Giants23352730115
Oakland38253113107

The Browns are also well down there, so maybe they think Vernon will be the answer. He'll play in a 4-3 defense again, while the Giants favored a 3-4. They're gambling that Vernon will help the pass rush, and maybe being in the same lineup with Myles Garrett will help both players.

But strictly based on performance, the Giants seem to be getting the better player. Their line was pretty bad a year ago, and Zeitler is one of the best at his position. Big help to Saquon Barkley, and also the protection up front for Eli Manning.

Maybe the trade is a win-win, and the money issues are best-known to the teams involved. Early sense is that it's a better move for the Giants (they just need to find a pass rush somehow).

--Andy Richardson

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