Cleveland Browns News: Curious roster moves made by Browns
By Randy Gurzi
The Daily Dawg Tags bring you all the Cleveland Browns news you need to know, including the story about unexpected roster move they made on Tuesday
On Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns decided to part ways with veteran defensive end Chris Smith. When looking at his numbers this season, it’s not exactly a shocking move.
However, when you look at the Browns depth chart, it does raise some eyebrows.
Smith was signed in free agency ahead of the 2018 season and had 21 tackles and a sack as a rotational edge rusher. This season, his snap counts dropped drastically and he had just one tackle in nine games played.
Where it gets weird though, is the fact that Cleveland is without suspended star Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon has been struggling to stay on the field. That left them playing defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson at end while also relying on unheralded players such as Bryan Cox, Jr. and Porter Gustin to share the load opposite Chad Thomas.
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In the end, that probably says the team is really happy with what they have seen from the younger players who have been getting extra snaps this year.
That story and more can be found in today’s Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns News
Cleveland Browns release Chris Smith, creating major depth concern
Dan Justik looks at the release of Chris Smith and points to the fact that he was on a three-year, $12 million deal. Clearly, general manager John Dorsey felt more comfortable going young at the position and will also save some money due to this move.
Browns sign DT Justin Zimmer, make other roster moves — ClevelandBrowns.com
"“The Cleveland Browns have signed DT Justin Zimmer to the active roster from the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. To make room on the roster, the team waived DE Chris Smith. Additionally, the team released S A.J. Howard from the practice squad and signed DE Trevon Young to the practice squad.”"
Trevon Young comes from Louisville and has very little playing experience. Justin Zimmer has even less. He spent some time in the CFL before joining the Falcons practice squad. Both players will have a great chance to shine in Cleveland.
Browns shift from salvaging this season to saving this era — Jake Trotter, ESPN
"“And so, the Debate by the Lake rapidly shifts from how the Browns can salvage this season, to how they can save this era — ignited by Baker Mayfield’s exhilarating first pass against the New York Jets in Week 3 of last year.For all their talent on paper, the Browns have a long way to go.”"
Trotter is right in his assessment. Cleveland isn’t making the postseason without a miracle but they can still make some noise down the stretch and prove this nucleus is worth keeping around.
Browns build for future in 7-round mock draft. dark. Next
Why Cleveland Browns should bring in Ron Rivera
Carolina fired head coach Ron Rivera and the Browns would be wise to give him a call. He should get head coaching interviews in the offseason, but Cleveland could allow him to stay busy until then in a consultant role working alongside his former assistant Steve Wilks.