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The Cleveland Browns announced the releases of linebacker Chris Gocong and safety Usama Young today. Both players were off-and-on starters over the past few years with the team, but Gocong suffered a torn Achilles' during training camp last season and was placed on injured reserve. When Rob Chudzinski took over as head coach, he noted that Gocong was recovering and was expected to be ready for the season. Young also battled a few injuries, but has notoriously known as a more of a backup. Also, there is this:
Not to brag, but on Feb 12 (sbn.to/YURqRn), I listed Gocong, McCoy, & Young as most likely cap casualties for #Browns. All gone
— Dawgs By Nature (@DawgsByNature) April 2, 2013
Gocong was set to make $4.45 million in 2013, while Young was scheduled for $2.15 million. By releasing both players, the Browns will still pay them a combined $775,000, but that is still much less than $6.6 million. It is unclear as to whether the Browns will try to invest in any more free agents, as most of the prominent ones they were interested in, including tight end Fred Davis and cornerback Brent Grimes, are already off the market.
In terms of depth, the Browns do still have a surplus of linebackers at inside linebacker, even if they aren't proven commodities. D'Qwell Jackson will definitely start in one spot, while James-Michael Johnson, Craig Robertson, Tank Carder, and L.J. Fort should be in the mix at the other spot. At safety, the Browns are very thin. T.J. Ward is definitely a starter, but the only other safeties available are Tashaun Gipson and Eric Hagg. They didn't re-sign Ray Ventrone, so he's still a free agent too.
The Browns also added a kicker to the roster today, which we will have a report on shortly. What do you think about Young and Gocong being released? Do you applaud the front office for getting rid of players like this, hoping to replace them with new talent?