The Cleveland Browns have made several dangerous moves this offseason that have been making them the talk of the town to win the AFC North. A conversation that if had two years ago, wouldn't even be mentioned.
According to ESPN'S Jeremy Fowler, the Browns seem to have interest in Morgan Burnett when he is released by the Steelers.
One team to watch if/when Steelers release safety Morgan Burnett released: The Browns. Front office and coaching staff knows him well from Green Bay days (pass game coord. Joe Whitt coached him). Expecting interest.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 28, 2019
Burnett, among the obvious Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, pushed their way out of Pittsburgh this offseason. Burnett asked for the release from the Steelers in January. Only playing 37% of the snaps in Pittsburgh, it doesn't seem like a request that the Steelers will deny.
The plan according to general manager, Kevin Colbert, was to attempt to trade Burnett before releasing him via request. The Steelers haven't had any promising attempts to trade him either. Burnett currently has two years and $9 million in base salaries remaining on his contract.
Steelers have informed veteran S Morgan Burnett that they will release him by April 1, per the player’s request, said his agent Kevin Conner. Burnett was told release would occur Weds, but Steelers say accounting issues will delay it another week. Another S about to be on market
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 22, 2019
The Browns very well could be Burnett's next landing spot. Since today is the day that the Steelers voiced to release Burnett, the interest in him is expected to rise. Some of the Browns’ decision-makers, including general manager, John Dorsey, were in Green Bay when Burnett was originally drafted.
Also, Cleveland is in the market for a safety to pair with Damarious Randall after trading Jabrill Peppers in order to steal Odell Beckham Jr. from the Giants.
Burnett's change in tempo probably has some connection to him entering his age-30 campaign. He was a full-time starter from 2011-17 but has now missed a total of nine games in the past two seasons.
Last season, Burnett made an appearance in 11 games but only started in two of those games. He tallied 30 tackles while ranking as the NFL’s No. 53 safety per Pro Football Focus.
