Phil Taylor has gotten his wish.
The Browns have picked up the fifth-year option on the defensive tackle, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
There was some question as to whether the Browns would, given his status as a two-down player and the $5.5 million price tag for 2015.
But given the cut-rate first four years of rookie deals under the new CBA, and it’s easy to look at the cost for five years and justify it. Taylor will make just over $8 million in his first four seasons, so he’s still a very affordable player.
How he fits into a hybrid 3-4 defense will be interesting, as he’s been good against the run, but generally came off the field in obvious passing situations.