The Cleveland Browns announced Wednesday that they’ve released veteran CB Joe Haden after they were unable to find a trade partner for him.
“We want to thank Joe for all he has done for this organization both on and off the field,” said Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown. “He has been a great teammate and a true asset to the Cleveland community. These are very difficult decisions, we have the utmost respect for Joe and in my eyes, he will always be a Cleveland Brown.”
“Joe gave everything he had for the Cleveland Browns and that’s all you can ask for as a coach,” said Browns Head Coach Hue Jackson. “He was a leader on and off the field. I wish him all the best as he continues his career.”
According to Pro Football Talk, the Browns tried to get Joe Haden to take a pay cut from his $11 million salary, but he ultimately declined to do so.
Haden, 28, is a former first-round pick of the Browns back in 2010. He was in the fourth year of his six-year, $74.678 million contract that includes $45 million guaranteed and set to make base salaries of $11.1 million over the next two years of the agreement.
In 2016, Haden appeared in 13 games for the Browns and recorded 48 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 pass defenses. Pro Football Focus had him rated as the No. 88 cornerback out of 110 qualifying players.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
