Another contract casualty-Browns cut Paul Kruger

The Cleveland Browns continue to be all in-for down the road that is as the Browns released a group of players in order to hit the mandated roster limit.

There were four names that stood of the bunch,but one name carried the most weight-that of linebacker Paul Kruger.
Kruger,who was brought into Cleveland to be the classic edge pass rusher for the Browns in 2013,only produced the expected numbers in 2014 with eleven sacks as the other two seasons saw Kruger combine for just seven and with Ray Horton's return to Cleveland as defensive coordinator (Kruger had 4.5 sacks under Horton),you could make a case that both teams could profit from the decision to release Kruger.
The Browns are trying to get younger (and cheaper) and for the money they would pay Kruger (6.5 million) the team could use that time to play and see just what they have in players like Nate Orchard for one example.
Cleveland saves 6.5 million in actual dollars that they do not have to pay Kruger,but they also save money under the salary cap by releasing him now.
I'd rate Paul Kruger as a disappointment in Cleveland,but I'd wager that he could flourish in a new environment,especially if it is one where he is not the main pass rushing threat.

The other releases of note saw a new kicker decided and a quarterback released.
Travis Coons was released,which means former Buccaneer Patrick Murray will be the starting kicker.
Coons struggled with long field goals in his only season in Cleveland and on a bad team,a big leg goes a long way.

Austin Davis was released and set the Browns quarterback situation for a bit.
Davis played a few games late last season with injury issues at the position and despite signing a long term contract,Davis looked to be on borrowed time with the coaching change after a less than shiny stint.

The other player was tight end E.J.Bibbs,who looked to have the physical skills for a pass catching tight end,but rarely saw the field and his skill set seems to be different from the tight ends that Hue Jackson prefers-think Tyler Eifert rather than the stockier target rather than the taller more angular types.
I liked Bibbs and had hoped he'd get a chance to play more....

Will try again to be back later with the Pulaski trip...