Cleveland Browns release linebacker Christian Kirksey

The Cleveland Browns are coming off a disappointing season that saw them once again fall short of reaching the playoffs.

That has already led to many changes for the franchise, which could see much more to come over the offseason. According to Jake Trotter of ESPN, the Browns have decided to release veteran linebacker Christian Kirksey after they were unable to renegotiate his contract.

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The Browns tried to renegotiate Kirksey’s contract but released him after the sides couldn’t come to an agreement, a source told ESPN. He was due to make $7.75 million in base salary this season and $8.25 million in 2021. Releasing him will save the Browns roughly $6.58 million in cap savings this offseason.

Kirksey had been a mainstay on the roster as one of their better players. He tore his pectoral muscle in Week 2 last season against the New York Jets that ended his season. Despite dealing with a lingering injury, Kirksey has been a highly reliable asset over the years, but the decision to restructure his deal proved to be the breaking point.

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He played his first six seasons in the league with the franchise where he recorded 484 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two interceptions over that span. However, Kirksey has only garnered 44 combined tackles, which made it hard to pay him that type of salary. He had signed a four-year, $38 million extension back in May 2017, which made paying him that his lofty contract a financial burden for the Browns to continue to pay.