The Browns announced that they have released defensive lineman John Hughes. Hughes inked a lucrative extension with the Browns in March of 2015 and had several years to go on his deal. Now, he’ll be a free agent for the first time in his career.
Hughes, a 2012 draftee, started just seven games in his first three seasons in Cleveland and landed on IR in 2014 after suffering an MCL injury. The former third-round pick appeared in all 16 regular season games in 2015 and made three starts, totaling 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and one forced fumble. Even though his extension was set to pay him $14.4MM in new money, the new regime in Cleveland apparently wasn’t very fond of him.
By cutting Hughes and rookie linebacker Scooby Wright, the Browns have made room for center Austin Reiter and quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.
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