The Cleveland Browns, ever vigilant in their pursuit of excellence and continuous roster refinement, recently made a pair of significant personnel changes, signaling their ongoing commitment to optimizing the team. In a move that highlights the tough business side of professional football, the Browns officially released defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo after two seasons with the team. Simultaneously, they announced the signing of kicker Andre Szmyt, bringing in a new leg to potentially compete for a coveted special teams role.
These decisions, while distinct, both underscore the Browns’ proactive approach to managing their roster, addressing performance, cap space, and positional depth as they gear up for the upcoming season.
The Ogbo Okoronkwo Chapter: A Talented Pass Rusher’s Departure
Ogbo Okoronkwo initially joined the Cleveland Browns during the 2023 offseason, signing a three-year, $19 million contract. His arrival was met with considerable optimism, as he was seen as a key piece to bolster the team’s pass rush alongside Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. Okoronkwo had demonstrated flashes of brilliance in his previous stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Houston Texans, showcasing an explosive first step and a knack for getting after the quarterback.
During his tenure with the Browns, Okoronkwo played in 16 games during the 2023 season, starting one, and recorded 4.5 sacks, 33 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble. While these numbers were respectable, especially considering he was often the third or fourth option in a talented defensive line rotation, his impact might not have consistently met the expectations tied to his contract. He also battled through an injury during the season, missing time and perhaps not fully reaching his potential.
The decision to release Okoronkwo, particularly at this stage of the offseason, is primarily a strategic financial one, often tied to “post-June 1st” cap savings, even if the move is announced earlier. By designating such a release, teams can spread out the dead cap money over multiple years, freeing up significant cap space for the current season. This newly available cap flexibility can then be reinvested in other areas, whether through new signings, draft picks, or extensions for current players. For a team like the Browns, which is always looking for ways to maximize its resources, such moves are a regular part of roster management.
The departure of Okoronkwo creates a void in the defensive end rotation, but it’s a void the Browns are likely prepared to fill through a combination of existing depth players and potential new additions. Players like Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire, who have shown growth and promise, will likely see increased opportunities. The NFL is a meritocracy, and decisions like this, though tough for the player involved, are part of the business of building a championship-caliber team.
“The business side of the National Football League is ruthless. No matter how much you love a player, you always have to make decisions that are in the best interest of the team, both short-term and long-term, from a competitive and financial standpoint.” – A common sentiment among NFL GMs
Here’s a brief look at Ogbo Okoronkwo’s performance during his time with the Browns:
| Year Leader Board | Games Played | Sacks | Total Tackles | Tackles For Loss | Forced Fumbles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 (Browns) | 16 | 4.5 | 33 | 9 | 1 |
Welcome Andre Szmyt: A New Leg for Competition
On the other side of the roster ledger, the Cleveland Browns announced the signing of kicker Andre Szmyt. This move signifies the team’s ongoing assessment of its special teams unit, particularly the kicking game, which can be critical in tight NFL contests. Szmyt, a product of Syracuse University, brings a strong collegiate pedigree to Cleveland.
Szmyt was a standout kicker during his time in college, famously winning the prestigious Lou Groza Award in 2018 as the nation’s top collegiate placekicker. In that award-winning season, he was near-perfect, converting 18 of 19 field goal attempts and all 61 extra point attempts. He left Syracuse as the program’s all-time leading scorer. Despite his collegiate success, Szmyt went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but had tryouts with other teams, including the Los Angeles Chargers.
The signing of Szmyt introduces immediate competition into the Browns’ kicking room. While incumbent Dustin Hopkins had a stellar 2023 season, demonstrating remarkable accuracy and leg strength before an injury sidelined him, the NFL is a league of constant evaluation. Bringing in a player of Szmyt’s caliber ensures that every position is subject to high-level competition, pushing all players to perform at their best.
Here’s a snapshot of Andre Szmyt’s impressive college kicking stats (2018 season, Lou Groza Award winning year):
| Year | Field Goals Made | Field Goal Attempts | Longest FG (yards) | XP Made | XP Attempts | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 18 | 19 | 54 | 61 | 61 | 94.7% |
The Browns prioritize special teams excellence, understanding that hidden yardage and reliable scoring can be the difference between a win and a loss. By adding Szmyt, they are:
- Increasing Competition: Healthy competition often elevates performance across the board.
- Building Depth: Having multiple capable kickers on the roster or in training camp provides insurance against injury or performance dips.
- Exploring Options: Szmyt represents a different skillset or a fresh look at the position, allowing the coaching staff to assess various kicking styles and strengths.
Strategic Implications and Looking Ahead
These roster maneuvers are part of a larger strategy for the Browns as they head into rookie minicamp, OTAs, and eventually training camp. The team’s front office is meticulously crafting a roster designed for deep playoff runs.
Key areas of impact from these moves include:
- Defensive Line Depth: With Okoronkwo’s departure, the spotlight shifts to younger defensive ends. The Browns will be heavily relying on:
- Alex Wright: Showed significant improvement in 2023, particularly against the run.
- Isaiah McGuire: A 2023 fourth-round pick, expected to take a step forward in his second season.
- Lonnie Phelps: An undrafted free agent from 2023 who flashed potential.
- Potential Draft Picks/Free Agents: The team might still look to add another veteran or draft a rookie to bolster the rotation.
- Special Teams Optimization: The kicking competition will be one of the most closely watched battles in training camp. The goal is simple: ensure the most accurate and clutch kicker is on the roster. This competition also takes pressure off one individual, making sure they are constantly striving for perfection.
- Financial Flexibility: The cap savings from Okoronkwo’s release provide valuable breathing room for the Browns. This could be used for:
- Signing remaining draft picks.
- Adding a veteran free agent at a position of need later in the offseason.
- Potentially extending key players whose contracts are coming up.
The NFL offseason is a dynamic period, and these types of roster changes are a testament to the continuous effort required to build and maintain a competitive team. While saying goodbye to a player like Ogbo Okoronkwo is never easy, it allows the team to reallocate resources and pursue other avenues for improvement. Conversely, bringing in a talent like Andre Szmyt injects new energy and competition, keeping everyone on their toes. These are the calculated steps the Cleveland Browns are taking to ensure they are in the best possible position for success in the upcoming season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was Ogbo Okoronkwo released by the Browns? A1: Ogbo Okoronkwo’s release was primarily a strategic financial decision. While he contributed to the defensive line, releasing him, especially with a “post-June 1st” designation, allows the Browns to free up significant cap space for the current season, which can be reinvested into other roster needs or future signings. Performance and availability (due to injury) likely also played a role.
Q2: How much cap space did the Browns save by releasing Okoronkwo? A2: By designating Ogbo Okoronkwo as a post-June 1st release, the Browns are projected to save approximately $5.6 million in cap space for the 2024 season, while spreading out the remaining dead cap over 2024 and 2025.
Q3: Who is Andre Szmyt and what is his background? A3: Andre Szmyt is a kicker who was signed by the Browns. He had a highly successful collegiate career at Syracuse University, winning the Lou Groza Award in 2018 as the nation’s best collegiate placekicker and leaving as Syracuse’s all-time leading scorer. He went undrafted in 2023 but has sought NFL opportunities since.
Q4: Does signing Andre Szmyt mean Dustin Hopkins is no longer the Browns’ kicker? A4: Not necessarily. Signing Andre Szmyt primarily means the Browns are bringing in competition for the kicking position. While Dustin Hopkins had an excellent 2023 season before his injury, the team wants to ensure they have the best possible option for 2024. Szmyt will compete with Hopkins and any other kickers the team might bring in during training camp.
Q5: How does Okoronkwo’s release impact the Browns’ defensive line depth? A5: Okoronkwo’s departure creates a vacancy in the defensive end rotation behind Myles Garrett. This opens up more opportunities for younger players like Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire to step into larger roles. The Browns may also look to address this depth further through the upcoming NFL Draft or by signing another free agent veteran.
Cleveland Browns release Ogbo Okoronkwo after two seasons; sign Andre Szmyt
