Fansided

Every NFL team’s most surprising cut candidate

By Nick Villano

Chase Claypool #10 of the Chicago Bears runs to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Chase Claypool #10 of the Chicago Bears runs to the line of scrimmage in the first quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on January 01, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips (50): Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns — Jacob Phillips

The Cleveland Browns have an interesting offseason ahead of them. Even with the albatross Deshaun Watson contract, the Browns are in a pretty good position. That’s why they were able to steal Za’Darius Smith from the Minnesota Vikings. The Browns hope to make it back to the postseason this year.

That’s where cuts come in. Harrison Bryant made some sense, but he just restructured his contract to guarantee his spot on the opening roster. The offense needs as much help as possible to make sure Watson avoids another disastrous season, so it’s the defense where the surprises will come.

Jacob Phillips showed promise in his first two years, but there are flaws in his game that are impossible to ignore. He has severe issues tackling. That’s devastating for a middle linebacker. Middle linebacker is already a position that is losing impact in the NFL. Those players need to be at the top of their game at all times. Phillips was very bad at times last season.

Players drafted in the first 100 picks of the NFL Draft almost always get all of the chances, but Phillips is still a liability as he faces the end of his contract. The Browns will likely just move on.

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