Browns set to have the highest paid defense in the NFL
Having the worst run defense in the league and finishing 23rd overall isn't usually a recipe for riches, but the Cleveland Browns are set to enter the 2015 season with the highest paid defense in the league.
The Browns have devoted $82.1 million to their defense for the coming season compared to $64.25 million on offense, according to a report from Sports Illustrated. The Jets came in second at just under $80 million for their sixth-ranked defense. Tampa Bay is at the bottom of the list with $34.3 million allocated for its defense, which ranked two spots behind the Browns last season.
Cleveland is the only team spending more than half of its payroll on the defensive side of the ball, which makes sense considering how today's NFL is an offensive league. That hasn't kept Jimmy Haslam from investing heavily in his defense, particularly in the secondary where Joe Haden ($13.5M) and Donte Whitner ($8.45M) tie up close to $22 million. Haden is the team's highest paid player, while Whitner is third.
The free-agent additions of corner Tramon Williams and defensive tackle Randy Starks have boosted Cleveland's spending this offseason. General manager Ray Farmer and head coach Mike Pettine will need a better return on investment this season with an offense that is expected to struggle once again.
The Browns gave up 366.1 yards per game last season, but they were able to keep opposing defenses from lighting up the scoreboard for the most part. They allowed 21.1 points per game, good enough for ninth in the league.
First-round pick Danny Shelton should help beef up a rushing defense that allowed a staggering 141.6 yards last season, as will the return of fellow lineman Phil Taylor and Armonty Bryant from injury.
Browns fans are probably hoping that Haslam's next big investment will be a quarterback.
