For teams looking at a complementary veteran this offseason, look no further than the open marketplace in Cleveland. The Browns have already let go of safety Donte Whitner and linebacker Karlos Dansby and traded Barkevious Mingo.
And on Monday morning, they added another big name to that list: rush linebacker Paul Kruger.
Kruger was let go by the Browns as part of their roster downsizing to 75 players, the team announced. A Cleveland.com report stresses that Kruger's cut was performance-related and that he was not a casualty in the Browns' "youth movement."
That distinction is probably important for the Browns to make at the moment so as not to scare any of the other veterans remaining on the roster. Kruger, 30, had two years remaining on the five-year, $40.5 million contract he signed with the Browns back in 2013 and was actually signed to the club the last time Ray Horton was the team's defensive coordinator.
Horton apparently saw enough to decide that he was comfortable moving on.
Kruger might not have to wait long to get a new job. According to ESPN.com, Kruger is scheduled to visit the Saints and then the Chiefs next.
A return to the Ravens wouldn't seem crazy. The team is already gambling on the health of Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil. This is a seller's market for experienced pass rushing help, though, and Kruger should have options.
The Brownsalso released cornerbackK'Waun Williams later Monday.
Other notable roster moves we're tracking (see all roster cuts here):
- Add another veteran defensive lineman to the free agency pool. Terrance Knighton tweeted Monday morning he's been cut by the Patriots.
- Former Jets first-round pick Quinton Coples has seen his time with the Rams come to an end. The team released the defensive end on Monday, NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported, per a source familiar with the transaction.
- The Lions released veteran offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz.
- Receivers Rueben Randle and Chris Givenswere cut by the Eagles on Sunday, opening the door for younger options Nelson Agholor, Josh Huff and Dorial Green-Beckham.
- The Seahawks are cutting cornerback Brandon Browner, sources told NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The homecoming didn't work out.
- Dolphins are in the process of trading defensive end Chris McCain to the Saints, NFL Media's Rand Getlin reported. McCain tweeted about the transaction. Rapoport added, per a source involved, Dolphins will receive a late-round pick in exchange.
- The Chargersreleased veteran wide receiver James Jones, the team announced. Jones signed with the club four weeks ago.
