Cleveland Browns: Damarious Randall's contract situation is John Dorsey's most difficult test thus far in his tenure

The Cleveland Browns and Damarious Randall have had initial talks about a contract extension at various points this offseason. Allegedly the two sides aren't that close and may have gotten further apart based on what Randall has seen other safeties getting in free agency in an unusual spike for safety contracts.

And Randall is sitting in the cat bird seat in no small part because the current depth chart at safety for the Browns is abysmal. In a scenario where he would walk for a significant contract from another team, the Browns have to bring in two safeties at least to replace him.

Anyone other than Randall hasn't proven anything or is at the end of their career. And for a team trying to contend now, it puts pressure on them to avoid taking a step backward.

Randall is one of the toughest players on the team. He played through multiple injuries including a heel and groin injury, missing almost no time with either. Randall also showcased versatility being moved to corner in one game and performing admirably in that affair.

He also was able to cause turnovers and in all four seasons he's played in the league, he has at least three interceptions in all of them, four of them for the Browns last year. He's a pretty solid tackler as well, really solidified the free safety position last year. Last but not least, Randall in many ways has become one of the spiritual leaders of the Browns.

In terms of attitude, he is part of a small, boisterous group of players that once the team started enjoying success, was loud and proud about it, as they sought respect within the league. And the most poignant moment of the season was when he intercepted a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals and handed the ball to former head coach Hue Jackson; that's a moment that will live on for years.

All of this puts Randall in a great position to bargain, but what is all of that worth? Randall is currently making $9 million based on the fifth year option on his rookie deal. That's the sixth highest salary for 2019 at his position. It's difficult to argue he's the sixth best safety. The problem for the Browns and what Randall is looking at in terms of the money he wants is where the numbers go in 2020.

That same $9 million figure would be tenth among safety salaries as it currently stands. So it stands to reason that Randall is going to shoot for something that likely exceeds $10 million annually in a new contract and the Browns have a difficult decision to make on how much they value him. Is he a top 10 safety? Is he close enough where they can value him that highly?

The Browns clearly want to keep Randall and Randall is saying all the right things about wanting to stay a Brown, but he wants to be paid handsomely and has every right to try to get it. Randall along with Joe Schobert and J.C. Tretter are the three best pending free agents after this coming season and finding a way to lock them all up is easier said than done.

Randall going first seemingly has an advantage, but could force his way to the open market, which would increase the likelihood he plays elsewhere after this year. This stands out as the most difficult test John Dorsey has faced in his tenure as general manager.