BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns had until Saturday to decide whether to pick up the option of defensive lineman Phil Taylor. The mystery is over as the team exercised their option on Friday and the former first-round draft choice from Baylor is under contract through the 2015 season.
Taylor's salary for the 2015 season will be close to $5.5 million.
"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," coach 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 wasn't used on pass rushing plays as much in Ray Horton's defensive alignment and it was uncertain what the Browns were going to do with him.
"I am humbled and honored that the Browns exercised the fifth-year option on my contract," Taylor said. "I truly hope to be in Cleveland my entire career and to be part of the team that turns this franchise back into a perennial winner and championship contender, and restores the luster of the Dawg Pound!"
Taylor has started 38 of the 39 games he's played for the Browns after being drafted in the first round (21st overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft. Taylor has 130 tackles, seven sacks, two passes broken up, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Pettine was asked if Taylor fits in Pettine's scheme on Thursday at the conclusion of minicamp.
"Phil's explosive and has some pass rush ability," Pettine said. "Absolutely, he's a fit for us."
