The Cleveland Browns moved quickly when the 2013 NFL Free Agency period began, signing defensive end Paul Kruger to a five-year deal worth $40 million.
Like many other players, Kruger had a solid year withe the Baltimore Ravens as his stock rose considerably.
Kruger had 9.0 sacks in the regular season to lead the Ravens and added 4.5 during the Ravens Super Bowl run.
A second-round pick out of Utah, Kruger has only collected 15.5 sacks over his four-year career and benefited from the talent surrounding him on the Ravens defense.
There’s no arguing Kruger had a sensational 2012 season for the Baltimore Ravens. There’s also no arguing Kruger is a good NFL linebacker/defensive end. But, what I will argue is that Kruger is not worth $8 million a year.
In his first three seasons Kruger wasn’t even a full-time starter, he was more of a situation player playing in 36 out 48 games.
According to Pro Football Focus of the 22 3-4 outside linebackers, Kruger ranked 18th in run-stop percentage. His tackling efficiency was worse as he ranked 21st out of 22nd.
He’s a product of a Ravens defense, evidenced by his 1.5 sacks without Terrell Suggs in the lineup.
Each year there is a Nnamdi Asomuhga. Last year, it was Dallas Cowboys Brandon Carr, but will it be Paul Kruger?
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