The Browns have released linebacker Christian Kirksey, per a club announcement. Kirksey was one of the team’s longest-tenured players, but the club’s revamped regime did not see him as a part of their plans in 2020. 
“Christian Kirksey has been a vital member of our organization for the last six seasons because of his contributions on and off the field,” said Browns GM Andrew Berry, who overlapped with Kirksey in his original stint from 2016-2018. “He has been a strong leader both in our locker room and in the Cleveland community. These are difficult decisions and, in Christian’s case, more challenging because of how well he has represented our team. We thank him for his dedication and wish him nothing but the best in the next phase of his career.”
Kirksey played in 73 games and started 54 times over the course of six years. After his first four years of perfect attendance, the injury bug derailed him a bit. In 2018, he was held back by a hamstring injury. Last year, a torn pectoral muscle shut him down after just two games. He leaves the Browns after notching 484 stops, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, and four forced fumbles. More importantly, he’ll leave behind a legacy of charitable work in the Cleveland area.
Linebacker room looking awfully thin with the departures of Schobert, Taylor, and now Kirksey.
He was hurt last year can’t contribute when you’re not on the field, Mack Wilson had a good year. I like Kirksey but his salary was a lot to pay for a guy who didn’t play a lot the last 2 years.
Kirksey will be missed, but the writing was on the wall. He’s been injured a lot recently and cutting him opens up another big chunk of cap space.
maybe the should draft Isiah Simmons. good fit for them. quick LB/S type.
He’d be an incredible fit but they’re so desperate for offensive line help (and it’s a top heavy class anyway) that they need to draft a tackle at 10