As the offseason rolls on, the Cleveland Browns are taking significant steps to improve their financial flexibility, a welcome change given their recent struggles with the salary cap. After shedding some contracts earlier, the team is poised to reap the benefits as June arrives, bringing with it a crucial opportunity for recalibration.
Earlier this offseason, the Browns made the strategic decision to release defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and safety Juan Thornhill using post-June 1 designations. This move meant their financial ramifications would only officially kick in by June 2, and now that we’re firmly in that month, the Browns can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Breaking it down, the financial landscape for Thornhill indicated that the Browns were initially facing a hefty $5.864 million cap hit. However, effective June 2, that number shrinks significantly to $2.284 million, thereby freeing up about $3.58 million in cap space for 2025. For Tomlinson, the changes are equally impactful. He carried a cap number of $11.54 million through June, but as of June 2, he will only count for $5.04 million in dead cap, creating an additional $6.5 million savings for next year’s budget.
When you add it all up, the Browns are looking at around $10.08 million in cap space newly available to them. This newfound flexibility provides general manager Andrew Berry with various options moving forward. Whether it means taking a swing at another player, locking down current talent with contract extensions, restructuring some existing deals, or simply rolling over the extra cap space into the following season, the possibilities are now broader.
That said, the free-agent market has been relatively quiet lately, leaving the Browns with limited opportunities to acquire new talent. While the option for extending current roster members remains, it’s yet to be seen if the front office feels compelled to make those moves.
In any case, the Browns’ capacity to clear up cap space is a crucial development in shaping the future of the franchise. It signals not just a shift in their financial strategy but also a commitment to improving the overall state of the team. As fans, it’s always encouraging to see a team taking steps to ensure a more stable groundwork for sustained success.
