The Cleveland Browns released linebacker Karlos Dansby on Wednesday.
In 2014, Dansby signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the Browns. The deal had $12 million guaranteed. Dansby was scheduled to make $5 million the next two years. The Browns will save $3.5 million in cap space this year and $5 million in cap space in 2017 by releasing Dansby, according to Cleveland.com. Dansby is the second player to be released by the team this month as they released Johnny Manziel on March 11.
"They explained it to me when they called," Dansby said. "It's a rebuilding process. I'm cool with that decision. I'm just glad they gave me the opportunity to go see what else is out there for me. I know a lot of teams are licking their chops right now. A lot of teams are looking for linebackers right now. One of the best guys to ever play the game is on the market. That's the numbers saying it. Not me saying it, it's just the numbers."
Browns executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown thanked Dansby for his service in a statement and wished him the best with the rest of his career.
Dansby had two years left on his contract and played well. He had 108 tackles, returned two interceptions for touchdowns and led the Browns in tackles, tackles for loss, interceptions and defensive touchdowns, according to ESPN. He was second in passes defended and is just one interception away from becoming the fifth linebacker in NFL history to have 40 sacks and 20 interceptions.
The Browns also signed linebacker Demario Davis, a free agent from the New York Jets, to a two-year, $8 million deal on Wednesday. Davis has 332 tackles, 6.5 sacks, one interception and four fumble recoveries in as many seasons in the NFL. The Browns have also signed linebacker Justin Tuggle.