Could long-time Cleveland Browns linebacker ChristIan Kirksey end up in Pittsburgh?

Christian Kirksey was clearly a fan favorite in Cleveland.  Not only was he a solid contributor on the field, he was well known for his volunteer work and giving back the Northwest Ohio.

The breaking news out of Berea, Ohio on March 10th was the unsurprising cut of long-time linebacker Christian Kirksey.  While it was no surprise to fans when the news broke, it still hurt seeing the longest-tenured Cleveland Browns player alongside Joel Bitonio walk out the door.

The move saved the Browns $8.75 million in cash and $7.59 million in cap space.  Kirksey was drafted in the third-round (No. 71 overall) in 2014 and will surely go down as one of the Browns better picks.  This was the right move as the Browns can likely upgrade with a free agent in a similar money range.

Kirksey fought behind Craig Robertson for two-years before becoming a starter in 2016, when he had 148 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.  Kirksey followed up 2016 with another sound year in 2017, racking up 138 tackles including 6 tackles for loss.

Unfortunately, after 2017 injures would begin piling up.  In 2018 after another strong first seven games of the year, Kirksey would be placed on injured reserved with a hamstring injury.  Then last season after playing one full week, Kirksey would be placed on injured reserved with a torn pec muscle.

Mary Kay Cabot reported the Browns tried to make it work restructuring Kirksey’s contract for 2020, but the well-known team leader refused to take a pay cut.

Andrew Berry released a statement on Kirksey:

"“He (Kirksey) has been a strong leader both in our locker room and in the Cleveland community. These are difficult decisions and, in Christian’s case, more challenging because of how well he has represented our team. We thank him for his dedication and wish him nothing but the best in the next phase of his career.”"

Although riddled with injuries the last two years, it appears there will be a large target audience for Kirksey’s services 2020 and beyond.  Kirksey looks to be in a prime situation for a one-year prove-it deal.  He likely will find someone willing to pay him $7-8 million in 2020 to see if he is able to stay on the field.  If he proves that, Kirksey can look for a huge payday in 2021!

It appears the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles (among others) would have a strong interest in signing the inside linebacker.  Kirksey has shown flexibility performing well in a 3-4 or 4-3 defensive which will also help him find a new suitor.

How would Brown’s fans feel about another Cleveland legend ending up in Pittsburgh?  I don’t think Kirksey is as well recognized as Joe Haden once was, but it is a very close race.  Haden made the transition well and there was very little ill-will towards him, even seeing him in gold and black.  Kirksey will likely be in a very similar situation, and I see Browns fans rooting for him no matter where he goes, except maybe twice a year if it’s Pittsburgh.

Over the last six years, there has been very little stability in Cleveland.  It makes me sad he was injured in 2018 with the team saw their first bit of success.  No one deserves to win more (maybe Joe Thomas).  I think I speak for all of Cleveland when I say good luck and farewell Kirko, you did everything possible to make Cleveland a winner!