New Browns regime accepts DT Taylor’s 2015 option

The Browns picked up the fifth-year option on defensive tackle Phil Taylor Friday, the team announced.

Taylor was chosen with the 21st pick in the 2011 NFL Draft after the Browns traded down with the Falcons (in the Julio Jones deal) and then moved up in exchange with the Chiefs (who eventually took Jonathan Baldwin).

"It's very evident to us watching on tape and seeing him in person this week that Phil Taylor is very explosive and he's a great fit for what we want to do on defense,” Mike Pettine said in a statement. "I like his ability to rush the passer and be there to clog up the middle at the point of attack when we need him."

Taylor himself was quite excited about the whole thing.

I am humbled and honored the browns exercised the 5th year option on my contract. I truly hope to be in Cleveland my entire career!! #Browns

— Phil Taylor (@PhilTaylor98) May 2, 2014

The Browns will have to pay Taylor just $5.477 million for the 2015 season. It's no wonder they picked up the option.

Taylor is the 20th player from that class to have his option picked up. Track all those players here.

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Browns sign QBs Vince Young, Tyler Thigpen



Who wants to be the Browns' starting quarterback? By the end of next week's draft, at least 5 men -- and maybe more -- will be given a shot to prove what they can do behind center. Two of those players were signed today by Cleveland: Vince Young and Tyler Thigpen. Neither player played in the league last year.



Thigpen is a camp arm at best. His best days came and went in 2008 with the Chiefs. Young is the reason why this is even close to be considered news. He has considerable name value, and we all remember what type of a playmaker he was early in his NFL career, seven to eight years. Young turns 31 later this month and has been off the fantasy radar since 2010. But these guys at least have a chance to gain a job. The Browns' other quarterbacks are Brian Hoyer, Alex Tanney, and whichever quarterback they take during the draft. This competition will most likely come down to Hoyer versus the rookie.