Active in adding defensive starters this offseason, the Browns subtracted one on Friday. They released Sheldon Richardson.
The former first-round defensive lineman had started for Cleveland over the past two seasons. The Browns will save $11MM by making this move, one that comes a month after free agency’s outset, while also leaving a void in the middle of their defensive front.
With Larry Ogunjobi having signed with the Bengals, the Browns now no longer employ either of their starting D-tackles from the past two seasons. On a three-year, $37MM deal agreed to in 2019, Richardson was due a $10.9MM base salary in 2021. This move comes two days after the Browns agreed to terms with Jadeveon Clowney. While Richardson and Clowney do not play the same position, the Browns committed to sign the edge rusher for one year and $8MM.
This move will send Richardson into free agency at an inopportune time — following the most significant cap reduction in the cap era and four-plus weeks after the market opened. The Browns did add veteran defensive tackle Malik Jackson — on a one-year, $3.75MM contract — and have Andrew Billings, who opted out in 2020. But the team now figures to be on the hunt for interior D-line help.
The former Defensive Rookie of the Year, Richardson has played with four teams in his eight seasons. The Jets traded him to the Seahawks in 2017, and Richardson signed a one-year deal with the Vikings in 2018. After signing with the then-John Dorsey-run Browns a year later, Richardson accumulated 7.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits during his two Browns seasons. Richardson did not miss a game during his Cleveland stay.
Pro Football Focus graded the Mizzou product as a top-30 interior defensive lineman in 2019 and slotted him just inside the top 50 at the position last season. While now 30, Richardson will surely generate interest and should have a path to a starting lineup in 2021.
Browns are gonna draft heavily on both sides of the line.
Head scratcher. I would’ve rather had Rich in the middle and not signed Clowney while drafting Rousseau/Phillips/Olujari/whoever at 26. Interior DL is one of the thinnest positions in this draft. Barmore or Onwujurike seem to be borderline first round talents and then there’s a little drop off. Richardson is a pretty good player on a pretty reasonable contract.
Browns doing Browns things
And you know better than Andrew Berry? The GM has had a better offseason by far compared to anyone.
Unnecessary, dumb, rude statement. Do you know better? Stay off of sites with opinion’s if that’s the best you have to offer.
They may feel the draft is strong with interior linemen and can save themselves some cap dollars for draft picks and other areas of need. Richardson has always been ok, with flashes of next level play, but was never consistent enough to stay there.
I don’t understand it at all. The browns have cap space, unless they’re preparing for a big trade I don’t get it. why subtract
I can see Saints signing him, but with their money it would have to be cheap.
Is actually love to see the 49ers try to pick him up for cheap if possible. I know brought back Jones and Blair and have Kinlaw and Armstead but never know with injuries and Armstead seems to disappear at time. I do think with Bosa coming back and Kinlaw coming into next season even stronger and improving his game and adding Sosa to the pass rush that Armstead
Didn’t mean to hit comment before I was done lol
* I believe factoring those things in Armstead should have a stronger season than last year but I hope they don’t risk it and either draft someone along the DL or grab someone like this guy who shouldn’t cost a lot.
Does Cincy come in and grab him too?
$11 millions a lot on a DL………..I can see why they moved on.
They have plenty of Space though
Dallas could use him if he takes a pay cut. They should also take a look at Justin Houston.
I believe Gino Atkins is still available
And Maurice Hurst, too. Once Barmore is picked, we might see a run on free agent DT’s who can rush the QB.
Thing is, the Browns could have easily afforded both Richardson and Clowney this year, with room to make moves. Richardson played pretty well for Cleveland, so just betting that a rookie will automatically replace his production is a head scratcher to me.
You don’t have to spend all your money. You can carry over cap. I’d rather they be able to keep Ward, Chubb and Mayfield. They were getting awfully close to the cap. I’m ok with this move. Draft one early and he can play in the 4 man DT rotation
That’s valid, I suppose. I just think dropping a known quantity this close to the Super Bowl after addressing an area of need in EDGE with Clowney is a bit too risky. Adding Clowney on a relatively cheap deal probably helped, but dropping Richardson didn’t. The Browns were pretty close last year; I just think keeping it going with a hopefully successful signing at EDGE would help their chances more than a rookie. If they kept Ogunjobi, maybe. Letting both starting interior linemen walk after decent years as a team? Just seems odd to me.
Since the Bucs have the last pick in the first round and will probably be looking for another interior defensive lineman, I could see Todd Bowles bringing in his former DT, though I don’t know how much cap space the Bucs have.