Paul Kruger was released this morning by the Cleveland Browns.
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Kruger, 30 was by far the biggest name among the cuts, but his production this preseason wasn’t up to the the Browns standards this summer.
Paul Kruger #99 of the Cleveland Browns looks on prior to the start of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on October 4, 2015 in San Diego, California. Rookie second-round draft pick Emmanuel Ogbah or rookie fourth-round selection Joe Schobert could become the new starting outside linebacker opposite Nate Orchard. They also have third-year veteran Cam Johnson on the roster. “Although completely miss handled, unfortunate and absolutely the wrong decision to release me I do wish the Browns and especially my teammate brothers great success”.
Kicker Travis Coons and quarterback Austin Davis also had their contracts terminated. Bibbs, wide receivers Josh Boyce and Ed Eagan, defensive back Sean Baker, fullback Robert Hughes, tight end David Reeves and offensive lineman Cory Tucker.
Defensive tackle Nile Lawrence-Stample and running back Glenn Winston were placed on injured reserve. The move with Coons likely means Patrick Murray will be the kicker September 11 when the Browns open the season in Philadelphia.
National Football League teams must have their rosters down to a maximum of 75 players by Tuesday at 4 p.m.
The roster is at 76, so another move is necessary by Tuesday at 4 p.m. He was signed in 2013 after four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. Kruger was scheduled to make base salaries of $6.5 million in 2016 and $7 million next year. Kruger had 11 sacks in 2014 but his totals dropped to just 2.5 in 2015.
Things went off the rails last season, however, as Jim O’Neil took over the play calling on defense and had Kruger inexplicably dropping into coverage as much as he had him rushing the quarterback.
Defending the run was never considered a strength of Kruger and likely contributed to his demise.
The Browns are going young, and Kruger’s release allows him to sign with another team before the final cut to 53 players on Saturday.
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The players remaining at outside linebacker have a total of three National Football League sacks, all by Nate Orchard, the No. 51 pick in 2015.
