Browns release a veteran before the NFL trade deadline after a rookie seemingly took his job
The Cleveland Browns are having a busy Tuesday with multiple moves being made. After Cleveland opted to trade Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions, they have released a veteran defensive lineman as well. First reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Browns have parted ways with defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson. The Browns had signed Jefferson […]
The Cleveland Browns are having a busy Tuesday with multiple moves being made. After Cleveland opted to trade Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions, they have released a veteran defensive lineman as well.
First reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Browns have parted ways with defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson. The Browns had signed Jefferson in the offseason to help fill a need in the middle, but they ended up finding it elsewhere.
Cleveland does right by releasing the veteran before the deadline so that he can go to where he chooses to sign rather than being claimed. Jefferson had been a healthy scratch for the last four games, so this move was not a shock to anyone.
Mike Hall Jr. made Quinton Jefferson expendable for the Browns
Cleveland didn’t have their second-round pick for the first five games of the season, but he has played in the last four games and impressed during that time. We haven’t seen Jefferson since Hall made his debut with the Browns and it makes sense for Cleveland now with the season being over in terms of a playoff possibility. Letting the younger player play and develop is the definite way to go, rather than a veteran who is on a one-year deal.
Hall has played in 42 percent of the snaps since he has been back on the defensive side and he has five tackles, two quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss in those four games. The rookie out of Ohio State has seven pressures on the quarterback and his quick twitch pass rush has been impressive on numerous occasions already.
The Browns are even comfortable with lining up Hall wide and that shows his ability as a pass rusher. The 280-pound Hall has a bit to go in the run-stopping game, but he is an above-average pass rusher on the interior already. Jefferson was originally a hiu brought in to pass rush from the interior, but handing the keys to Hall is the right move.
While with the Browns, Jefferson appeared in five games and made six tackles, plus a sack. It will be interesting to see where Jefferson lands now. There will likely be a playoff contender sweeping him up before long.
Meanwhile, Cleveland will continue to develop their second-round pick that looks the part so far.
NFL trade deadline move by the Browns has opened a great opportunity up to more than one key player
An opportunity is there.
