The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Browns release LB Kirksey
Outside linebacker Christian Kirksey, a 2014 thirdround draft pick, was released by the Browns on March 10.
Kirksey, along with left guard Joel Bitonio, was the longest-tenured player on the Browns’ roster. But whereas Bitonio, a secondround draft pick in 2014, has played each game the past three years, Kirksey battled injuries in 2018 and 2019 after playing his first four seasons without missing a game.
Kirksey suffered a pectoral injury in the second game of 2019. He and the Browns hoped it would heal with rest, but he underwent season-ending surgery Oct. 2.
Kirksey missed the last seven games of 2018 with a hamstring injury.
“Christian Kirksey has been a vital member of our organization for the last six seasons because of his contributions on and off the field,” Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry said in a statement.
“He has been a strong leader both in our locker room and in the Cleveland community.
“These are difficult decisions and, in Christian’s case, more challenging because of how well he has represented our team. We thank him for his dedication and wish him nothing but the best in the next phase of his career.”
Mack Wilson, a rookie in 2019, replaced Kirksey as a starter and finished second among Browns defenders with 81 tackles. Joe Schobert, set to become a free agent March 18, led the Browns with 133 tackles.
Kirksey, 27, was due to make $7.75 million in 2020.
“FOREVER GRATEFUL!,” Kirksey tweeted after being cut. “Thank you Cleveland for the amazing years! Thank you to the entire organization, my teammates, the Haslems (sic) for giving me an opportunity of a lifetime and most of all thank you to the city of Cleveland for accepting me as their own! Forever Love, Kirkoland Out!”
Kirksey played in 73 games and made 54 starts. He was a team captain from 2017-19. His 281 combined tackles in 2016 and 2017 were the second-most by any player in the NFL for those two seasons while the Browns were going 1-31.
Kirksey was the Browns’ 2018 Walter Payton Man of the Year. He was active in the community by making hospital and school visits. He ran youth football camps and bowling events and helped young boys and girls in need through his Kirkoland Foundation.