The Browns released Paul Kruger yesterday, and as if almost completely turning over their starting offense and defense wasn't enough, they decided they'd trade away their starting punter, too. Starting kicker from a year ago? Cut. And that was just yesterday.
When the 2016 season opens, Cleveland will have three of the same starting offensive linemen, a tight end, and two defensive players returning from a year ago. Every other starter is new.
The table below shows their starting offense, defense and special teams from Cleveland's Gamebook from Week 1 of the 2015 season, and Where Are They Now? Returning starters, what few they are, are in bold.
CLEVELAND STARTERS, Week 1, 2015 | ||
---|---|---|
Pos | Player | Status |
QB | Josh McCown | Backup |
RB | Duke Johnson Jr. | Backup |
WR | Travis Benjamin | Left in FA |
WR | Andrew Hawkins | Backup |
TE | Gary Barnidge | Starter |
TE | Jim Dray | Cut |
LT | Joe Thomas | Starter |
LG | Joel Bitonio | Starter |
C | Alex Mack | Left in FA |
RG | John Greco | Starter |
RT | Mitchell Schwartz | Left in FA |
NT | Danny Shelton | Starter |
DE | Randy Starks | Cut |
DE | Desmond Bryant | Injured |
OLB | Paul Kruger | Cut |
OLB | Barkevious Mingo | Traded |
ILB | Karlos Dansby | Cut |
DB | K'Waun Williams | Cut |
CB | Joe Haden | Starter |
CB | Tramon Williams | Backup |
FS | Tashaun Gipson | Left in FA |
SS | Donte Whitner | Cut |
P | Andy Lee | Traded |
PK | Travis Coons | Cut |
PR | Travis Benjamin | Left in FA |
KR | Shaun Draughn | Cut |
--Andy Richardson