The Cleveland Browns have released starting defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson after two seasons. The team announced the move on Friday afternoon.
Richardson was due a salary of nearly $11 million in 2021, the final year of his three-year contract he signed with Cleveland as a free agent prior to the 2019 season. Releasing Richardson saves the Browns $12 million in salary cap room for the upcoming season.
The move comes in the wake of the Browns signing free agent defensive end Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year, $8 million contract that could escalate to as much as $10 million. Clowney does offer some ability to play inside at Richardson’s tackle spot.
The 30-year-old Richardson started 31 of 32 games over the last two seasons and performed well. He registered 126 total tackles, 7.5 sacks and forced four fumbles in his time in Cleveland.
