Cut back: Browns release cornerback Haden after 7 seasons
CLEVELAND » Too expensive and too-often injured, Joe Haden is no longer part of Cleveland’s long-term plans.
The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, who had gone from being one of the city’s most popular players to polarizing, was released Wednesday after the team couldn’t trade him or persuade him to take a pay cut.
“We want to thank Joe for all he has done for this organization both on and off the field,” said Sashi Brown, executive vice president of football operations. “He has been a great teammate and a true asset to the Cleveland community. These are very difficult decisions, we have the utmost respect for Joe and in my eyes, he will always be a Cleveland Brown.”
A first-round pick in 2010, Haden has been slowed by injuries the past two seasons and the Browns felt he was no longer one of their top defensive backs.
Cleveland, which is in need of a wide receiver, had shopped Haden but couldn’t find a partner, mostly because he’ll make $11.1 million this season and has two more seasons left on a five-year, $67.5 million extension — $45 million guaranteed — he signed in 2014.
Despite Haden’s slip in production, coach Hue Jackson said Tuesday that he felt Haden had played well this summer. Not well enough to keep him around, however.
“Joe gave everything he had for the Cleveland Browns and that’s all you can ask for as a coach,” Jackson said in a statement. “He was a leader on and off the field. I wish him all the best as he continues his career.”
Last move: Browns trade disappointing OL Erving to Chiefs
CLEVELAND » The Browns made their final move with offensive lineman Cam Erving, another of the team’s first-round busts.
Erving, who was shifted from guard to center to tackle during two seasons with Cleveland, was traded Wednesday to the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2018 fifth-round draft pick. It ends a disappointing stay in Cleveland for the No. 19 overall pick in 2015.
Since 2011, seven players drafted by the Browns in the first round are no longer with the team. Erving joins an inglorious list includes Johnny Manziel, Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden and Barkevious Mingo.
Source: Packers reach agreement to sign LB Brooks
MILWAUKEE» A person familiar with the discussions says that the Green Bay Packers and free agent linebacker Ahmad Brooks have agreed to a one-year deal.
Brooks was in Green Bay on Tuesday to visit the Packers, who need to add depth at outside linebacker behind starters Clay Matthews and Nick Perry.
The 33-year-old Brooks was released by the San Francisco 49ers last week. He is a two-time second-team All-Pro.
Suspension for Bengals LB Burfict reduced to 3 games
CINCINNATI » Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict had his NFL suspension reduced from five to three games Wednesday for his egregious hit on a Chiefs running back during a preseason game.
Burfict originally got a five-game suspension but challenged it. Appeals officer James Thrash reduced it to three games on Wednesday. It’s the second straight season he’s suspended for the first three games.