The Cleveland Browns cut starting right offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer today rather than pay him a pending $1.5 million roster bonus, according to Adam Caplan of Scout.com.
Per a source, Caplan reports that the Browns created $1.45 million in salary-cap room for 2009. Yet, the team will still be forced to hold $4.56 million in dead money due to the proration of the guaranteed money remaining over the final four years of his contract.
Agent Alan Herman, who represents Shaffer, said that the Browns are still interested in possibly re-signing Shaffer.
Ryan Tucker is expected to replace Shaffer in the starting lineup.
According to NFL.com, Shaffer started 15 games for the Browns last season. In seven NFL seasons, Shaffer has started 86 games.
UPDATE: Now, the Browns have officially announced in a press release that Shaffer has been cut.