The Cleveland Browns will soon be without five starters from a season ago. The team is reportedly set to release linebacker Karlos Dansby, who has started 28 games for the Browns the past two seasons.
Browns have informed LB Karlos Dansby that they will be releasing him, per @PatMcManamon.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2016
Dansby, 34, hasn’t necessarily seen his performance take a hit since leaving the Arizona Cardinals following what was a tremendous performance in 2013. Last season in Cleveland, the 12-year NFL veteran recorded 109 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and two touchdowns.
With that play-making ability, there promises to be a decent market for the linebacker once the release is officially announced.
For the Browns, this is the latest in a string of decisions that have others questioning what their new front office is doing.
Set to earn $6.5 million in 2016, the Browns take a $3 million dead cap hit by releasing the veteran. It comes on the heels of the team signing former New York Jets linebacker Demario Davis to a two-year, $8 million contract.
So essentially, the Browns are paying $500,000 for a downgrade at inside linebacker next season.
This comes on the heels of the Browns already losing wide receiver Travis Benjamin, offensive linemen Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack as well as former Pro Bowl safety Tashaun Gipson over the past week-plus.