Browns release starting safety Morgan Burnett

The move frees up $3.375 million in salary cap space

The biggest hole on the Cleveland Browns defense just got deeper. The Browns announced on Monday morning they have released safety Morgan Burnett. It was a widely expected roster move.

Burnett, 31, started eight games for the Browns in his one season in Cleveland. He missed half of the 2019 season with a knee injury, starting every game for which he was available. Burnett signed a 2-year, $7.5 million contract last offseason to come to Cleveland after one season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The move frees up $3.375 million in salary cap space but leaves the Browns perilously thin at safety entering free agency. Only Juston Burris and second-year Sheldrick Redwine are currently on the active roster.