Just a quick point about yesterday’s exchange of inside linebackers. The signing of Jets UFA Demario Davis and subsequent release of Karlos Dansby may be seen by some as a money-saving swap that helps set the Browns up for long-term progress.

I’m skeptical, and here’s why.

Davis’ deal is reported to be for two years and $8 million, more than half fully guaranteed. Dansby had those same two years left on his now-voided contract, with $5 million annual salaries scheduled, non-guaranteed (i.e. payable only if he were to have made the team each year).

So maybe the Browns save $2 million at the position over the next two years, but in doing so they add $3 million in dead money to this year’s cap (the remaining pro-rated amounts of Dansby’s 2014 signing bonus). Although it’s not like the Browns seem in any danger of butting their heads up against the cap.

While Davis is seven years younger than Dansby, his new contract does not commit him to the Browns any longer than Dansby would have been. If the Browns expect to make a real run at being a contender in 2018, they’ll have to shell out for Davis again, if he proves worthy.

Meanwhile, the Browns have just lost a veteran mainstay, their leading tackler and, really, their best defensive player from last year’s admittedly atrocious unit. Comparing their two stat lines, Dansby has been the more productive player, both last year and over the course of the past three seasons, in which Davis started all 48 games for the Jets. Solo tackles: 224 to 198 in favor of Dansby, despite playing four fewer games. Eight interceptions to one. In passes defensed, 27 to eight. Four forced fumbles, compared to zero.

Put simply, Dansby is an excellent football player, and even at age 34 he’s above average. Maybe the Browns did him a solid in releasing him to potentially sign with a Super Bowl contender.

But they also appear ready to let UFA Craig Robertson sign elsewhere, so any future compensatory pick for his loss is probably negated by bring on Davis. Even with retaining Tank Carder, the ILB depth chart is by no means stocked.

By removing Dansby’s veteran example and proven productivity from their program, unless their play is for higher picks in every round of the 2017 draft, the Browns really did no favor to their own rebuilding efforts.