Browns release veteran defensive lineman

On By Littum

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Hours after the Browns traded Za’Darius Smith to the Lions, they released veteran defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson.

The average age of the d-line room dropped significantly, with Smith at 32 and Jefferson at 31.

Jefferson’s release comes as no surprise considering he was a healthy scratch in each of the past four games. The Browns attempted to trade him, but chose to release him when a deal could not be reached. A report says he is expected to sign with the Bills, who he played with in 2020.

Jefferson, a ninth-year pro, recorded six tackles and a sack for 8 yards in his four limited appearances with the Browns. Signed to a one-year deal worth $4 million in the offseason, he was rendered useless when second-round defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. returned from his five-game suspension under the NFL’s personal conduct policy for a domestic incident with his fiancee.

The Browns consider Hall the better interior rusher, and Maurice Hurst Jr. as the better run stopper. Last season, Jefferson recorded 6.0 sacks with the Jets and 5.5 the year before with the Seahawks.

The Browns also have Shelby Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson playing well inside.

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