Cleveland Browns Free Agent Review: DT Vincent Taylor

Next up on our 2021 review of the Browns’ unrestricted free agents is DT Vincent Taylor.

Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images

How and When He Joined the Browns: Originally a 6th round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2017, Taylor spent last offseason with the Buffalo Bills, but he didn’t make the final roster. The Browns claimed him off waivers.

Productivity Level Last Season: In 15 regular season games, Taylor logged 12 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 quarterback hit, and 1 fumble recovery. He also blocked a kick. In the postseason, he had 1 tackle and 2 passes defended, one of which led to an interception. Taylor was the 93rd-graded defensive tackle by Pro Football Focus this season, working as a rotational player.

Why Keeping Him Could Make Sense: Although he wasn’t spectacular, Taylor has been a rotational player throughout his career, including a couple of above average seasons in that role with the Dolphins. While he didn’t receive the best grade from PFF last season, I think he’s a good enough depth player to retain so that Cleveland doesn’t have to worry about completely overhauling the defensive tackle position.

What the Browns Should Do: I think the Browns should offer Taylor a 1-year deal worth the minimum veteran salary, and I don’t see why he’d turn that down. However, if Cleveland decides that Taylor is “just another guy” and they’d rather take a flier on someone else for the minimum with potentially more upside, then I don’t see an issue with that either.

Let us know below whether or not the team should try to re-sign Vincent Taylor.