We analyze Cleveland Browns DT Dalvin Tomlinson's role in 2024, explain why there's no need to worry about the lawsuit affecting Andrew Berry's plans, and acknowledge that we share Darius Slay's thoughts on Amari Cooper.
The Cleveland Browns defense was exciting to watch last season, and with almost every player returning, they should be excellent again. However, now in their second year under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Browns must enhance their arsenal to address the weaknesses other teams discovered and exploited. All this is now on film, and the Browns know they must build on their strengths. One way they plan to do this is by changing how they align on the interior, using the one technique or shade nose more frequently. Dalvin Tomlinson is the only interior defensive lineman with experience in this at the NFL level, as the other candidates are far from certain to make the roster. It looks like Tomlinson will be asked to play a different role than last year as the Browns' defense seeks to adapt and improve.
The outcome of the NFL Sunday Ticket lawsuit has raised questions about the future of the salary cap and how it might impact the Browns' spending model under general manager Andrew Berry. There is currently no reason to panic, as years of appeals are ahead. This time will allow both Berry and the NFL to prepare accordingly. We will likely see some changes in the NFL season sooner rather than later.
On a recent podcast, Darius Slay was vocal about Amari Cooper's contract situation with the Browns. He pointed out that Cooper is undervalued and often overlooked, which I think Browns fans would agree with. He may be underrated around the league, but in Cleveland, he is not. It's just business, and it benefits both sides to come to an agreement.
We analyze Tomlinson's role in 2024, explain why there's no need to worry about the lawsuit affecting Berry's plans, and acknowledge that we share Mr. Slay's perspective in this week's edition of "Things I Think I Know About The Browns."
TOMLINSON TO TAKE ON NEW ROLE IN 2024
Schwartz has been using baseball analogies to discuss how his defense needs to adapt and improve in year two. The Browns are considering making some changes, such as shifting from having both interior defenders on the defensive line in three-tech alignments to having one player in the three-tech position and one in the nose tackle position. The Browns aim to have one of their defensive tackles line up in the A gap and shade over the center. This change in alignment is intended to increase disruption against the running attack. While the Browns successfully pressured the passer last season, they want to improve their run defense. Shifting the alignment this way can help them be stronger at the point of attack.
The Browns have a shortage of players who can play the nose tackle position. Dalvin Tomlinson had a good first season in Cleveland, excelling more at rushing the passer than against the run, which is his traditional strength. He played 566 snaps aligned in the B gap or wider last season and only lined up in the A gap (Shade Nose Tackle) 51 times. Tomlinson has shown he can play the role, as from 2018-2020 with the Giants, he averaged 253.6 snaps a season playing over the center with a strong run defense average of 76.5 from PFF.
Tomlinson admitted that adjusting to Schwartz's defense took time last season, despite their ability to create immediate pressure.
"Oh, yeah, for sure. I felt like we started firing on all cylinders and up front, just disruptive, disrupting everything across the board, week in, week out. And, yeah, it definitely took a while because that was a brand new defense for me. And, yeah, with other help with other guys, it started to click."
Tomlinson has been playing different positions across the defensive line, including more time at nose tackle during OTAs. He has a strong track record of performing well against the run in various positions. However, last season, his run defense grade was at its lowest at 52.1, despite recording four sacks, 23 hurries, and a solid pass rush grade of 73.2. The change in his performance can be attributed to the defensive scheme, which prioritized disrupting the backfield. Tomlinson may be expected to focus more on stopping the run this season as the defense expands its repertoire.
It raises the question of who else could fill the shade nose role if necessary. Apart from Tomlinson, the two players best suited to play over the center are second-year player Siaka Ika and rookie Jowon Briggs, whom the Browns drafted in the seventh round from Cincinnati this year.
If the Browns were to keep five interior defensive tackles, they would likely include Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Mike Hall Jr., Quinton Jefferson, and Maurice Hurst. This is unquestionably a very talented group, but no one other than Tomlinson would play that role.
There's still plenty of time before September 8th, and we are not privy to how this change will be implemented, but it seems like Tomlinson will be asked to play a different role when the Browns aim to present a more solid run defense up front.
IMPACT OF NFL SUNDAY TICKET LAWSUIT ON BROWNS
The NFL was sued over its Sunday Ticket package, with the lawsuit claiming that the league had violated antitrust laws. After careful consideration, a jury determined that the NFL had indeed breached antitrust regulations by exclusively offering the Sunday Ticket through DirecTV at an inflated price. The jury decided to award $4.7 billion in damages to the subscribers involved in the lawsuit and an additional $96 million to other businesses. As a result, the NFL may face a total payout of $14.39 billion.
The league plans to appeal the decision, calling the claims "baseless" and "without merit."
The Browns' front office, led by Andrew Berry, relies on the salary cap increasing each season as part of its spending model. Berry has been able to plan accordingly and make the Browns the highest-spending team in the league without any major cap casualties. However, reports suggest that if the league is required to pay the damages, it could significantly slow the annual increase in the salary cap and create a "cap squeeze." Some reports have surfaced about the potential derailment of the Browns' future if the decision stands. Since Berry became the Browns' general manager in 2020, the cap has risen from $198.2 million to $255.4 million despite the financial impact of the pandemic. The cap's continued rise depends on the league's revenue each year, and fortunately, business has been good for the NFL.
There is no need to panic at this point. The NFL's appeal process could take three to four years, during which time the league will likely start preparing for the decision's potential impact if it is upheld.
Eventually, the league is expected to move to an 18-game season with two bye weeks, and this situation could speed up that change. Adding another game and an extra week of game opportunities on Thursday, Sunday, Sunday Night, and Monday Night will increase revenue.
Pro Football Talk notes that the NFL and the NFL Players Association can agree to new terms, as the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is flexible and changes can be made before its full term expires. Florio also points out that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has often ruled in favor of the NFL at the highest court level, indicating that the NFL might have an advantage if the case reaches that level.
However, the NFL could hasten the schedule change and begin the season with multiple kickoff games on Labor Day weekend. Florio suggests that with an 18-game season and potentially a five-night kickoff weekend, the league could also renegotiate its TV deals, potentially bringing in more money as a precaution in case the lawsuit does not go in their favor.
For now, Browns fans should not be concerned; the period before any judgment is enforced should also give Berry and his front office enough time to plan for any significant changes in the salary cap.
WE AGREE DARIUS
The contract negotiation for Amari Cooper and Nick Chubb's rehab have become the main topics of discussion during the Browns dead period before training camp. On the Green Light podcast with Chris Long, cornerback Darius Slay spoke up about Cooper's situation.
Slay stated that Cooper isn't getting the credit or contract he deserves, saying, "I really think he's the most under-appreciated receiver in the league," according to NFL.com.
It's hard to disagree with Slay's statements. Cooper is often overlooked and underappreciated around the league, possibly because of his quiet demeanor and professional approach. However, Browns fans and the front office do not take him for granted. He is the best wide receiver the Browns have had since their return in 1999, except for a year from Josh Gordon. Browns fans love Cooper and want him paid appropriately and on the field.
Cooper and his agent are smartly waiting for a new deal before letting him practice. He has no guaranteed money left in his deal. An agent wouldn't be doing his job if he let his client risk injury before gaining some financial security, especially when he is the team's clear number-one wide receiver.
The Browns must be careful in extending Cooper's contract for too long, as he has just turned 30. They want to avoid a deal that would involve paying a player high-end money as his game declines. The Browns need Cooper and do not have a number-one receiver waiting in the wings. At the same time, Cooper is not in a position to play on a one-year prove-it deal at age 30.
It is in the best interest of both sides to come to an agreement, and they likely will.
