The Cleveland Browns made a difficult decision on Tuesday, parting with veteran linebacker and team captain Christian Kirksey after spending six years with the team.
The 27-year-old linebacker and his now former team attempted to come to terms on a renegotiation of his contract earlier in the offseason, but after talks broke down, Cleveland decided to cut ties and save cap space heading into a crucial free agency period.
Kirksey was selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of the University of Iowa. He became an established starter in his first season with the team, becoming one of the most valued members of its defense.
After the 2016 season, Kirskey was given a new four-year, $38 million contract extension that included $20 in guaranteed money.
He helped to anchor the Browns defense, recording 484 career tackles, 11.5 sacks and 2 interceptions over his career with the team.
The main reason for the Browns’ decision to release the Missouri native was due to health concerns with their former defensive anchor. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 of the 2019 season, missing the rest of the year.
Now, Kirksey will look to catch on with a new team and prove that he still has plenty of football left in the tank.
