Steelers guard Mason McCormick drew an unnecessary-roughness flag for dumping Browns defensive end Jared Verse on his head. The NFL's follow-up: no fine. ProFootballTalk reporter Mike Florio reported Saturday that McCormick escaped a financial penalty.

The report came two days after Browns special teams coordinator Byron Storer condemned the play and rejected taking out a jumping opponent's legs as part of Cleveland's coaching.

McCormick's flag cost Pittsburgh 15 yards

The confrontation followed Pittsburgh's opening touchdown in Cleveland's 27-6 loss on Nov. 1. Verse went up to block the extra point, and McCormick brought him down.

The unnecessary-roughness penalty was enforced on the ensuing kickoff, costing Pittsburgh 15 yards. Verse said McCormick swept his legs while he was airborne and that he landed on his head.

McCormick had already explained the exchange by saying he did not recognize Verse. He said blockers are instructed to bring jumpers' hands down.

Storer missed the severity in real time

Storer said Cleveland battles opponents without trying to hurt them. He also addressed the delayed reaction: "I didn't see the severity of it until after the game." He believed Verse's teammates had missed it, too.

Most Cleveland players were watching the kick with their backs to Verse or heading toward the sideline. Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger also said he did not see the incident until afterward and would defend a teammate if he saw it happen.

Verse, whose play had drawn a trade debate, said Thursday he had made his concerns about the incident known. He also criticized his own response: "I've got to be better than that. I didn't do enough on my part, and we all got to pick it up."

A flag was the right call. Letting the slam pass without a fine is a bad one.

Image: AI-generated image.