Browns release DT Sheldon Richardson
Days after adding free agent end Jadeveon Clowney to their defensive line, the Browns terminated veteran tackle Sheldon Richardson’s contract after two seasons.
Richardson’s release is surprising because he played well since joining the Browns before the 2019 season. The 6-foot-3, 294-pounder started all 16 games last season, finishing with 64 tackles and 41⁄2 sacks.
A first-round pick of the Jets, Richardson was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013. He spent four seasons with New York and one each with Seattle and Minnesota before signing a three-year, $37 million contract with the Browns.
His release opens an additional $12 million in salary-cap space for Cleveland.
Patriots: The Patriots have re-signed cornerback J.C. Jackson, bringing back the former undrafted free agent who finished second in the NFL in interceptions in 2020. The Patriots also announced Friday they released offensive lineman Dustin Woodard.
Bears: Chicago signed wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to a one-year contract Friday.
Notes: The lawyer for Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald said Friday that witnesses and surveillance video refute a man’s claim the player assaulted him at a Pittsburgh nightclub last weekend. Attorney Casey White told WPXI-TV that the video indicates Donald did not assault anyone but was trying to save the victim, De’vincent Spriggs . ... The Pittsburgh Steelers have become the 10th group of NFL players to say they won’t be attending in-person voluntary offseason workouts . ... During Marshawn Lynch’s 12 NFL seasons he earned a reputation for his fearless style on the field, while remaining one of the league’s most reclusive figures off the field. Now the retired running back is lending his voice to try to help members of Black and Hispanic communities make more informed decisions about receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Lynch released a 30-minute interview with Dr. Anthony Fauci on his Youtube channel Friday, to discuss the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines as the U.S. continues to combat the pandemic. Lynch himself hasn’t been vaccinated and he pointed out to Fauci that distrust in his community remains high regarding vaccine safety.