Four players added by Dorsey cut

There is always one absolute when a football team changes general managers: Players acquired by the former GM are purged by his replacement.

The contracts of four players acquired by former Browns general manager John Dorsey — cornerback T.J. Carrie, tight end Demetrius Harris, guard Eric Kush and linebacker Adarius Taylor — were terminated Feb. 17. Dorsey, hired Dec. 7, 2017, parted ways with the Browns on Dec. 31 rather than accept a redefined role working under his replacement, Andrew Berry.

Carrie played in all 32 games with the Browns over two seasons after signing as an unrestricted free agent in 2018.

He made 125 tackles, forced three fumbles, made two interceptions, had two fumble recoveries and two sacks. He started 14 games.

Harris, signed in 2019, led all Browns tight ends with 15 catches last season. He started six games and made three touchdown catches.

Kush was also signed as a free agent in 2019. He was among several candidates in training camp fighting for the job of starting right guard. He won the battle and started seven games before being replaced by Wyatt Teller. Kush also played on the field goal protection unit.

Taylor was signed in 2019. He played in 15 games and made only one tackle from scrimmage. He made eight special teams tackles.

The roster moves will save the Browns about $13 million on the salary cap.

Other moves might be made soon. Most notably, defensive end Olivier Vernon, acquired by Dorsey last winter in the trade that sent guard Kevin Zeitler to the Giants, is due $15.5 million in 2020. The contract is not guaranteed.

Vernon missed six games with a knee injury last year. He had four sacks in 10 games.

The Browns also have a decision to make on linebacker Christian Kirksey. Kirksey missed all of 2019 with a pectoral injury and seven games in 2018 with a hamstring injury.

Kirksey was third-round draft pick in 2014 when Ray Farmer was general manager. He is due $9.9 million in 2020. The Browns would take a $2.4 million cap hit if they cut him.

PAUL DICICCO — FOR THE NEWS-HERALD T.J. Carrie and Damarious Randall celebrate during the Browns’ victory over the Panthers on Dec. 9at FirstEnergy Stadium.