Browns Are Releasing Veteran ILB Karlos Dansby

Well, now we know why the Cleveland Browns paid ILB Demario Davis like a starter -- they are going to release veteran ILB Karlos Dansby, according to multiple reports.

Browns have informed LB Karlos Dansby that they will be releasing him, per @PatMcManamon.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2016

Dansby, who is 34 years old, was under contract through 2017. He was set to make $6.5 million against the cap over the next two years. His base salary in each season was going to be $5 million, with his prorated signing bonus accounting for the other $1.5 million. Therefore, the Browns will carry $3 million in dead money this season for Dansby, but overall the release will still clear $3.5 million in cap space.

Dansby has no ill-will about the move. He sees that Cleveland is in a re-building mode and is appreciative of the chance to go play for a contender before he has to retire:

Karlos Dansby not bitter about his release at all because the Browns are rebuilding. "I'm happy man lets go after this ring."

— Kevin Jones (@Mr_KevinJones) March 16, 2016

Dansby was as close to a leader as this defense could have had the past two years and was very good in coverage. However, he struggled mightily against the run, along with the rest of the defense.

I think one thing that we have to look at now is the fact that "this can't be it," with respect to the team releasing a veteran. It's reasonable to think WR Dwayne Bowe, SS Donte Whitner, and CB Tramon Williams will be released as well. Other names to ponder include OLB Paul Kruger and, dare I say it, LT Joe Thomas (Thomas would not be cut, but traded, if something were to unfold with him).