/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30171665/20131202_kkt_aw3_869.0.jpg)
March 15 has come and gone, and that means it's time to take a look at what happened to the players on the Cleveland Browns who were set to earn roster bonuses:
Players Released Due to Roster Bonuses
- QB Jason Campbell, set to earn a $250,000 roster bonus on March 13, was cut on March 12.
- LB D'Qwell Jackson, set to earn a $4 million roster bonus on March 15, was was cut back on February 28.
Players Retained Despite Roster Bonuses
- QB Brian Hoyer received his $250,000 roster bonus on March 15.
- OG John Greco received his $1.7 million roster bonus on March 15.
- OT Mitchell Schwartz likely received his $25,000 roster bonus (date not known).
- DT Phil Taylor likely received his $728,625 roster bonus (was due in March).
I put "likely received" for Schwartz and Taylor because while I could not find specific dates attached to their roster bonuses, I think it's safe to assume they were either on March 15 or some time near there. Plus, neither Schwartz nor Taylor were in danger of being cut. Hoyer wasn't in danger of being released either, especially since the team parted ways with both Campbell and Brandon Weeden on the same day.
The biggest question mark surrounded OG John Greco. I originally listed him as a potential cap casualty since he was set to earn a sizable roster bonus in mid-March. Once the team let OG Shawn Lauvao walk in free agency, coupled with the fact that they did not sign any offensive linemen in free agency, there was really no doubt that they would pay Greco's bonus.
Greco's base salary for the rest of the season is only $730,000, and he's not due any more bonuses for the rest of his contract. Unless the Browns drastically upgrade the guard position, I think Greco will now see out the end of his contract, which runs through 2017.