The Browns have started to whittle down their offseason roster, with one big name headlining the list of cuts.
Zac Jackson of FOXSports Ohio reports that defensive tackle Shaun Rogers is among five Browns to be notified they are being released. Also on the cut list: linebacker Eric Barton, linebacker David Bowens, tight end Robert Royal, and tackle John St. Clair.
(UPDATE: The Browns have since confirmed the cuts.)
The final four names on the list are no surprise. They are “Mangini guys” and their production no longer matched their salary. Bowens and Barton may not have fit in the team’s new defense.
Rogers’ release is more notable. The Browns clearly believed he was no longer worth his $5.5 million salary, and they are probably right considering his lack of playing time and shaky health in 2010.
With that said, Rogers is “only” turning 32 years old this year and can by a truly dynamic player when motivated. It will be interesting to see if teams show interest in signing him this month before a possible work stoppage.
(UPDATE II: The Browns also cut defensive lineman Kenyon Coleman.)