Browns Release LB Chris Gocong and FS Usama Young

The transformation of the Browns’ defense continues, as the team released linebacker Chris Gocong and safety Usama Young on Tuesday.

Though the linebacker position could use as many bodies as possible in its switch to the 3-4, Gocong wasn’t deemed to be worth the $4.45 million that he would have been owed this season. Even if he was a major contributor on the surprisingly efficient 2011 defense – where he had 70 tackles, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles – Gocong didn’t play at all in 2012 because of a torn Achilles, which made him expendable.

As for Young, he never quite lived up to expectations in Cleveland, which led to more turmoil in the Browns’ secondary. He did have three interceptions in 2012, though, along with 1.5 sacks and 53 tackles in 13 games. Young was due to be paid $2.1 million this season.

The moves freed up more than $6.5 million in salary, which is a plus. However, both positions continue to be a major concern, though the secondary seems to currently be in exceptional turmoil.