Olivier Vernon

It's a huge loss for a defense that was already soft against the pass. Still an every-down player at age 30, Vernon's nine sacks were second only to Myles Garrett's 12 on the Browns. What's bad for the Browns is catastrophic for Vernon, as he will become a free agent at season's end. Having trouble staying healthy over the past four years, Vernon will probably now have to settle for one-year, incentive-laden offers on the open market. Life isn't fair for NFL players over 30, but it's really not fair for injured players over 30. 

Vernon has missed the past two games for Cleveland, being replaced by third-string DE Porter Gustin in the interim. With Adrian Clayborn (hip) inactive, Vernon's return would be welcomed against an injury-riddled Cowboys o-line that may be without LT Tyron Smith (neck) in Week 4.

It's the second straight game Vernon will be forced to miss. Adrian Clayborn (hip), Vernon's direct backup, is also questionable for Sunday after totaling one sack and a quarterback hit on 18 snaps against Cincinnati. Either Porter Gustin or Joe Jackson will get the nod if both Vernon and Clayborn are ruled out.

Vernon was heavily rumored to be moving on prior to this rework, which fully guarantees the 29-year-old $11 million this year — including a $4 million signing bonus and $6.75 million in base salary — plus up to $2 million in incentives and a no-tag clause before hitting the open market next March. This transaction also likely rules Cleveland out of the bidding war for free agent Jadeveon Clowney's services.