The Cleveland Browns released edge rusher Adrian Clayborn after one season, the team announced Tuesday.
The move clears $3 million in cap space, allowing the Browns to go after another pass rusher in free agency. Cleveland pursued but missed out on J.J. Watt, who signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Browns are also expected to release starting defensive end Olivier Vernon.
Clayborn, 32, played in 15 games (two starts) for the Browns last season, recording 12 tackles — three for loss — to go with 3.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits playing behind Vernon and Myles Garrett.
Clayborn has 40 career sacks with Tampa Bay (2011-14), Atlanta (2015-17, 2019), New England (2018) and the Browns.
The Buccaneers selected Clayborn in the first round (No. 20 overall) in the 2011 draft out of Iowa.
