The Browns have released tight end Gary Barnidge, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). It appears that he has been squeezed out by the selection of Miami’s David Njoku. Barnidge has confirmed the news via social media. 
“I want to thank the Cleveland Browns for giving me my opportunity and looking forward to seeing the change. Time for the next step,” Barnidge said (Twitter link).
Barnidge signed a three-year, $12.3MM extension with the Browns during the 2015 season. The deal, which featured $5.73MM in guaranteed money, had two years still to go. This year, Barnidge was set to carry a $3.812MM cap number. Instead, the Browns will carry $1.625MM in dead money and save $2.2MM against the cap.
Barnidge has appeared in 61 of 64 possible games for the Browns over the last four seasons. In 2016, he caught 55 passes for 612 yards and two touchdowns. His best season came in 2015, his lone Pro Bowl season, when he had 79 receptions and 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns.
weird move, why not have 2 starting caliber TE, patriots/ packers have multiple options
I, too, am perplexed by this move. What’s wrong with two TEs? Plus, they don’t need cap space. Njoku may not even work out?
Head scratcher, but it is the Browns way.
I haven’t been opposed to many of the Sashi regime’s moves lately, but this is a head-scratcher. Teams have shown more and more lately how valuable it is to have two viable options at the position. He could have been the 2nd option instead of cut for essentially $2.2M and they already have plenty of cap space– even after adding three first round contracts. I don’t understand, Kessler needs weapons.
Maybe they have eyes on another TE in this draft?
Shaheen? Leggett?
I’d like to see the Lions pick up Barnidge for depth.
Love to see the Steelers grab him as insurance
Houston Atlanta or Pittsburgh
My only guess is they felt like that was a lot of money to pay a backup TE. They certainly could have afforded it but it’s an expensive luxury.
Why not trade him for a 6th
Browns are clueless.
Must have been because of the horrible-looking powerslam he performed on Davey Richards Impact Wrestling last night. 🙂
49ers please grab Barnidge!! He could definitely help put their very weak TE group, and he and their new Juscyk (sp?) lol would make two fairly solid weapons for Hoyer…since their WR group is basically Garcon, Goodwin, and Kerley…/: