Cleveland Browns: Has Kirksey played his last snap as a Brown?
By Joel W. Cade
Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey has surgery to repair a chest injury. Latest reports are that he will miss the rest of the season.
Has Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey played his last down as a Brown? Sadly the answer is most likely yes.
Kirksey was injured during the week 2 contest against the New York Jets. He was placed on injured reserve on September 21st.
At the time it was believed that Kirksey would be return to action later in the season. But today it was revealed that the chest surgery will spell then end of his season.
#Browns LB Christian Kirksey recently had surgery to repair the chest injury that led to him being placed on Injured Reserve more than a week ago. While there was some initial thought that he could return, the surgery indicates he's done for the season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 2, 2019
If Ian Rapaport’s, national insider for NFL network and NFL.com, report is accurate, then Kirksey might have already played in last snap for the Browns.
Why? Kirksey will be a salary cap casualty. If this bothers you, get ready, because salary cap casualties will become the new normal for the Browns under general manager John Dorsey.
Kirsey received a contract extension during Sashi Brown’s tenure. The guaranteed money on the contract ran through 2018 and 2019. With no guaranteed money left, a 10 million dollar cap hit entering next season combined with his injury history, Kirksey may no longer be a player the Browns can afford.
But anything is possible and stranger things have happened. Remember when Kirksey’s player on Madden 15 was only two inches tall?
However, complicating the issue is the impending decision on Joe Schobert. Schobert has played lights out becoming the team leader on defense. He also has become the team’s leading tackler and best linebacker in coverage. Schobert’s value to the team cannot be overstated. He proves the rule the best ability is availability.
Also, the Browns spent two draft picks in the 2019 NFL draft on the linebacker position. One of those picks, Mack Wilson out of Alabama is currently playing Kirksey position on the defense. The defense has performed very well with Wilson in the lineup without a noticeable drop off from the strong outside linebacker position.
All of this spells the certain doom that Kirksey will become a cap casualty this off season. It does not mean the Browns won’t try to sign him back at a lower rate. But how often does that really work outside of New England?
If Kirksey is cut, it will be very unfortunate. He has served as a team leader on defense until his injuries thrust Schobert into that role. He has been very involved in the community. He is a player who truly made the team and the city better.
Next. Too 5 Browns playing into new contract. dark
It is unfortunate if it ends this way. The Browns and the city of Cleveland will feel the loss.