CLEVELAND — Editor's note: the video in the story above is from a previous story.
After adding one former Pro Bowl defensive lineman earlier this week with the signing of Jadeveon Clowney, the Cleveland Browns have subtracted another from their roster, announcing on Friday that they have released defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson.
Signing a three-year, $37 million contract with the Browns ahead of the 2018 season, Richardson has been a mainstay in the middle of Cleveland's defensive line for each of the past two years. Appearing in all 32 games during his two seasons with the Browns, the 2014 Pro Bowl selection totaled 126 tackles and 7.5 sacks while playing for Cleveland.
But while the 30-year-old Richardson had established himself as one of the Browns' most consistent defensive players, his contract stood out as a potential cap casualty entering the third and final year of his deal with Cleveland. In releasing Richardson, the Browns will save $11 million in cap space.
With Richardson no longer on Cleveland's roster, defensive tackle becomes a more pressing need for the Browns entering the 2021 NFL Draft. Currently, Cleveland's roster includes Andrew Billings, Malik Jackson, Jordan Elliott and Sheldon Day at defensive tackle.
The Browns enter the 2021 NFL Draft with nine picks, including the No. 26 overall pick in the first round.