CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns have made a significant roster move by releasing edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo, who had spent the last two seasons with the team. In a related transaction, the Browns have signed kicker Andre Szmyt to bolster their special teams. Okoronkwo, 30, was in the final year of a three-year, $19 million contract signed in 2023 as a free agent.
Shortly after the announcement, Okoronkwo expressed his gratitude to the city, stating, “Love to the Land!” on social media platform X. This move has allowed the Browns to save approximately $3.366 million in salary cap space, although they will incur $1.95 million in dead cap. Okoronkwo’s base salary for the current season was set at $2.235 million.
Okoronkwo’s release comes as he became more expendable following the signing of Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, a former first-round edge rusher from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, during the offseason. Additionally, the Browns welcomed back Alex Wright, a 2022 third-round pick, who has recently been cleared to return from a torn triceps injury. This influx of talent has reshaped the Browns' defensive strategy and depth at the edge rusher position.
Okoronkwo demonstrated his resilience during the 2023 season by playing through a torn pectoral muscle, opting to avoid surgery despite missing three games. He returned for the season finale in Cincinnati and participated in the wild card matchup against his former team, the Houston Texans, where he played 34.8% of the snaps. Over his tenure with the Browns, he started five of 30 games, recording 7.5 sacks, 54 tackles (17 for a loss), and 14 quarterback hits.
In a bid to strengthen their kicking game, the Browns have signed Andre Szmyt, who stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. This marks Szmyt's official entry into the NFL. Originally signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2023, he spent part of the previous season on the Browns’ practice squad and was also a member of the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL. Szmyt will provide competition for veteran kicker Dustin Hopkins, who struggled significantly last season.
Last year, Hopkins recorded a career-low field goal percentage of 66.7%, missing six of his last eleven attempts. His performance from beyond 50 yards also dipped dramatically, converting only 4 of 8 attempts after a perfect record in 2023. Despite these challenges, the Browns remain optimistic about Hopkins’ potential for a rebound season. Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone noted, “He’s been consistent in his entire career. He had a great year in ‘23, for whatever reason, did not have a great year this past year.” Ventrone emphasized Hopkins' focus and physical readiness heading into the new season.
With Okoronkwo's departure, the Browns are now placing greater emphasis on Tryon-Shoyinka and their young edge rushers, including Isaiah McGuire, a fourth-round pick in 2023, who forced three fumbles last season. Additionally, Wright, who finished third on the team with 5.0 sacks in 2023, has expressed his determination to secure a starting edge position opposite Myles Garrett this season, aiming to build on his promising performance.
The Browns’ recent roster moves reflect a strategic shift aimed at enhancing both their defensive capabilities and special teams performance. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, fans are eager to see how these changes will impact their chances in 2024.
