The Cleveland Browns made a series of moves Thursday that included releasing defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo.
Signed to a three-year, $19 million contract in 2023, Okoronkwo had 54 tackles and 7.5 sacks in 30 games over two seasons for Cleveland.
Okoronkwo, 30, expressed his gratitude to the Browns and their fans following his release, writing on X (formerly Twitter), âLove to the Land!â
In a corresponding move, the Browns signed kicker Andre Szmyt.
Why Was Ogbo Okoronkwo Released?
A fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma in 2018, Okoronkwo didnât play as a rookie because of a broken foot but returned in 2019 to play three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He had 4.5 sacks in 33 games as a Ram and was a part of their Super Bowl LVI-winning team.
The following offseason, Okoronkwo left in free agency to sign a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Houston Texans. He proceeded to record a career-high 44 tackles (32 solo) and five sacks.
In Cleveland, Okoronkwo had 4.5 sacks in 14 games in 2023 and three sacks in 16 games in 2024.
Last season, Pro Football Focus rated Okoronkwo as the 192nd-best edge rusher out of 211 qualified players with a 45.3 grade. Furthermore, he was just 145th against the pass and 182nd against the run.
By releasing him, the Browns will save approximately $3.4 million against the salary cap, according to ESPNâs Adam Schefter.
Wide receiver and fellow Oklahoma alum Michael Woods II was among the former teammates to react to the news, writing on X, âLove gang best of luck.â
Cleveland has arguably the NFLâs best defensive end in Myles Garrett, who had 14 sacks last season. In March, Garrett, 29, inked a record four-year, $160 million extension with $123.5 million guaranteed, making him the leagueâs highest-paid non-quarterback
Browns Bring in Competition for Dustin Hopkins
An undrafted free agent out of Syracuse in 2023, Szmyt, 26, originally joined Clevelandâs practice squad in December after kicking for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the UFL. He converted 19-of-21 field goals for St. Louis, including 4-of-5 from 50-plus yards. His career long field goal is 61 yards.
He is expected to see time in training camp alongside veteran Dustin Hopkins, the projected starter. Hopkins, 34, connected on a career-low 66.7% (18-of-27) of his attempts last season after signing a three-year, $15.9 million extension in July 2024.
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