Browns first cuts: What they mean, who they help and what’s next

Browns defensive back T.J. Carrie intercepts a pass

Cleveland Browns defensive back T.J. Carrie intercepts a pass in the second half, September 22, 2019, at FirstEnergy Stadium. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com)cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns’ new regime made their first round of roster cuts on Monday, moving on from four players, including three who received significant playing time in 2019 on either offense or defense.

Here’s a look at each player, why it happened and what’s next:

T.J. Carrie

2020 cap hit: $8.15 million

2020 cap savings: $6.35 million

Why it happened: Carrie was a valuable grown-up when the Browns locker room needed one when he signed in 2018 and was truly one of the good guys in the locker room. His versatility helped the Browns immensely in 2018 after Terrance Mitchell was hurt and it did so again in 2019 when both Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams went down.

Carrie, however, is best-suited to play inside and he wasn’t even the top inside corner a season ago when Eric Murray was healthy. His versatility and just generally being a good dude will be missed, but this one wasn’t surprising given the money.

Who it helps: Murray, probably. The Browns acquired him last season to play nickel and he was the guy there until he got hurt. He’s headed for free agency, but maybe this helps keep him around, even if it was the previous regime who made the deal for him.

What’s next: With Ward and Williams set on the outside and Mitchell an outside corner, the Browns will need to figure out who they’ll turn to when it comes to manning the slot. It could be addressed in the draft or with an affordable free agent if Murray isn’t retained.

Demetrius Harris

Cleveland Browns tight end Demetrius Harris catches a two-point conversion pass defended by Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner in the second half, Oct, 13, 2019, at FirstEnergy Stadium

Demetrius Harris was let go on Monday by the Browns. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com)cleveland.com

2020 cap hit: $3.4875 million

2020 cap savings: $2.4875 million

Why it happened: John Dorsey chose to bring in Harris and let Darren Fells go to Houston last offseason. Fells caught seven touchdown passes while Harris had 149 receiving yards and scored three times.

Who it helps: Ricky Seals-Jones. This is a tough one because it feels like this position is in for some kind of remake to fit an offense which will use tight ends. Still, Seals-Jones was the Browns’ best receiving tight end in 2019 and it shouldn’t be difficult to keep the restricted free agent at a reasonable number if the new front office likes what they see.

What’s next: Tight end is almost certainly a position the team will address aggressively in free agency and the draft. David Njoku still has a lot to prove and the Browns need reliable options in both the passing and run game at this position.

Eric Kush

Day 14 of Cleveland Browns' training camp, August 12, 2019

Eric Kush, left, won the right guard job in training camp but was unable to hold it during the season. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com)cleveland.com

2020 cap hit: $4.425 million

2020 cap savings: $2.075 million

Why it happened: Kush won the starting right guard job out of training camp but was replaced by Wyatt Teller halfway through the season.

Who it helps: Teller. Dorsey traded for Teller in the preseason and now there’s more opportunity for him. One of the priorities for the new front office is to address both tackle positions, which might involve a little bit of money. Teller offers a cheaper option at right guard on a line where JC Tretter and Joel Bitonio are both under longterm deals.

What’s next: It’s nearly impossible to fill every hole in one offseason. If the tackles are solidified, the line could be in good shape with someone like Teller at right guard or the Browns could use a late-round pick on someone to compete.

Adarius Taylor

Ravens wide receiver De'Anthony Thomas stiff arms Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Adarius Taylor

Adarius Taylor did most of his work on special teams in 2019. (John Kuntz, cleveland.com)cleveland.com

2020 cap hit: $2,940,625 million

2020 cap savings: $2,440,625 million

Why it happened: Taylor sneakily hung near the top of the depth chart in the preseason, but most of his work in 2019 came on special teams. If Joe Schobert is re-signed, he locks up almost every snap at one linebacker position and the Browns have two young linebackers on their roster in Mack Wilson and Sione Takitaki. They also have other options among their linebacking corps as far as special-teamers go.

Who it helps: Not anyone directly, necessarily, but for some of the linebackers on the roster and others coming who will competing to make the team on special teams will benefit.

What’s next: The Browns will look to add special-teamers throughout the offseason and look to uncover a gem or two in camp.

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