The Cleveland Browns are reportedly expected to part ways with Perrion Winfrey, their touted draft pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, after just one season. Despite his natural talent as a defensive tackle, Winfrey’s lack of production on the field coupled with his behavioral issues off the field have put his future with the team in jeopardy.
According to Cory Kinnan of USA Today’s Browns Wire, Winfrey has already found himself in trouble with the team on three separate occasions within the span of a year. His off-field issues, combined with the additions of Dalvin Tomlinson and Siaki Ika to the defensive tackle group, have made roster spots scarce for Winfrey. He will now have to compete for a final roster spot with free agent additions Maurice Hurst and Trysten Hill.
One of Winfrey’s recent problems involved an April 10 arrest on a misdemeanor assault charge in Texas. However, the court dropped the charge against him two months later. This incident further contributes to a pattern of off-field issues that have plagued Winfrey’s first year in the NFL. Additionally, the defensive tackle has had attitude problems in the locker room, as evidenced by a contentious Twitter exchange with a fan after being inactive for a game in November.
During his rookie season, Winfrey played in 13 games and recorded 22 total tackles, one tackle for loss, three quarterback pressures, two QB hits, 0.5 sacks, and two passes defended. However, his performance was underwhelming, with Pro Football Focus grading his pass rush at 56.2 and his run defense at a dismal 36.0. His overall player grade of 41.6 ranked him 117th out of 127 qualifying defensive tackles.
Although Winfrey’s performance was not impressive, the team’s decision to rework Jordan Elliott’s contract and guarantee him $1.7 million for 2023 indicates that his roster spot is secure. This leaves Winfrey in a precarious position as he fights for a place on the roster.
It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold, but for now, it appears that the Browns are leaning towards parting ways with Winfrey due to his lack of production on the field and his behavioral issues off the field and in the locker room. As the team heads into the upcoming season, Winfrey will have to prove himself quickly if he hopes to secure a spot on the roster.
