Browns release Kirksey after 6 seasons

The Cleveland Browns released linebacker Christian Kirksey after six seasons, the team announced Tuesday.

Kirksey played in just two games in 2019 after suffering a torn pectoral in September.

"Christian Kirksey has been a vital member of our organization for the last six seasons because of his contributions on and off the field," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement. "He has been a strong leader both in our locker room and in the Cleveland community. These are difficult decisions and, in Christian's case, more challenging because of how well he has represented our team. We thank him for his dedication and wish him nothing but the best in the next phase of his career."

A third-round pick of the Browns in 2014, Kirksey accumulated 484 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two interceptions across 73 games in the middle of the team's defense.

Cleveland now has a major hole at linebacker, as Joe Schobert is set to hit free agency and demand a lucrative contract.