One day, the Cleveland Browns are making high level free agency moves at marquee positions (looking at you Mr. Clowney).
Two days later, they are releasing a staple of the interior defensive line the past two seasons.
On Friday, the Browns announced the release of defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson.
Browns released DT Sheldon Richardson.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 16, 2021
Why Release Richardson?
The first thing to note with this move is the financial benefit.
Richardson, who tallied seven and a half total sacks in his two-year Browns stint, was set to make $12 million this season.
The Browns will no longer owe him that money.
Browns are releasing DT Sheldon Richardson, who was due to make more than $12M this season, per @RapSheet
Richardson: 82.3 PFF Grade since 2013 (26th) pic.twitter.com/3wJKgtFmM2
— PFF (@PFF) April 16, 2021
Some speculate that this move came as a result of a refusal from Richardson to restructure his contract.
While Cleveland had plenty of cap to operate with at the start of free agency, it won’t always be that way.
The Browns still have $20 million to spend as things currently stand, so it’s not like this was an urgent “we’re running out of money” knee-jerk type of move.
So why make it?
It likely comes down to flexibility for Andrew Berry’s front office.
$12 million is no small amount and could be used toward a new contract for Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, and others in the future.
Richardson was solid with the brown and orange, but the true studs of this team need to be prioritized.
This move helps the organization do that.
Still Ok Inside Defensively?
Richardson’s departure doesn’t leave the cupboards bare when it comes to the interior of the defense.
Defensive tackle Malik Jackson was signed this offseason after recording two and a half sacks last year with the Eagles.
Jordan Elliott will be heading into his second season and hopes to contribute more this year.
Veteran Sheldon Day was also signed.
Releasing Richardson shouldn’t warrant too drastic of a reaction from Browns fans one way or the other.
Losing a talented player will always hurt.
Sheldon Richardson: 80 total pressure since 2019
T-13th among all DI pic.twitter.com/zpwPkENLNn
— PFF (@PFF) April 16, 2021
Yet, when you look at what this might help with long-term, it makes sense.
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