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Cleveland Browns release defensive back Pierre Desir

By Thomas Moore

Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Pierre Desir (26) defends San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Pierre Desir (26) defends San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns have released defensive back Pierre Desir, a fourth-round selection in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Cleveland Browns have released defensive back Pierre Desir as the team continues to trim the roster in front of Saturday’s deadline to be down to 53 players.

While the team has not officially announced any transactions, reports are starting to come in that they have moved on from Desir.

The Browns selected Desir in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Division II Lindenwood University. The 6-foot-1 and 198-pound cornerback made a name for himself as the 2013 winner of the Cliff Harris Award, given to the nation’s top small college defensive back.

Desir only appeared in five games his rookie season, but saw his playing time increase last year as he appeared in 14 games, making six starts.

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Despite the Browns having a shortage of capable players at the cornerback position, defensive coordinator Ray Horton moved Desir to safety during training camp, a position that he had not played since his freshman year in high school.

“When I heard about the switch, I always feel that the more you can do, the better,” Desir told the team’s website early in training camp. “Whether they want me to play corner or safety, I’m just going to do whatever I can to help the team.

“You have to know a lot more when it comes to coverages and understanding what the offense it trying to do. When you’re a corner, it’s mainly you’re one-on-one coverage. At safety, you need to know everything that’s going on, on the field.”

Desir becomes the third player from former general manager Ray Farmer’s first draft to be released, joining quarterback Johnny Manziel and running back Terrance West. While many fans expected that Justin Gilbert, the other cornerback selected in the 2014 draft, would be the one released, his position on the team seems safe for the moment.

The Browns, along with the league’s other 31 teams, must have their rosters down to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Saturday.

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