Next 3 players that Cleveland Browns could release
By Clay Goodwin
3. Christian Kirksey, Linebacker
Christian Kirksey has been a fan favorite since becoming a Brown in 2014. He is one of the leaders of the football team and is a highly respected player in the locker room. The problem is, Kirksey is due over $9 million this season.
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If Kirksey was playing to the level he did in 2016 and 2017, then nine million would certainly be worth it to keep him. Since 2017 however, he has only played 9 games.
He has had serious problems staying on the field and there is no certainty that he will stay healthy and produce. Because of his durability issues, he is expendable.
While he is an awesome teammate and a good player when healthy, he is not worth the risk. He is earning the pay of an incredibly productive player, when in reality he is not even on the field.
The Browns could use that money to sign quality free agents or to pay the future contracts of our stars like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, or even resign Joe Schobert who is currently unsigned.
Kirksey will always be a fan favorite but it is quite possible he will not be in a Cleveland uniform come fall. He is talented enough to get another job sooner than later, but for a much smaller contract than his $9 million he has currently.
Even though general manager Andrew Berry has some ties to Kirksey, look for the new staff to move on from the veteran. It is a financially smart move for the Cleveland Browns.