Browns release veteran defensive lineman

by Junna Base November 6, 2024

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Just hours after trading Za’Darius Smith to the Lions, the Browns released veteran defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson.

The average age of D-line players dropped significantly, with Smith at 32 and Jefferson at 31.

Jefferson’s release isn’t a surprise considering he’s been a healthy substitute in each of the last four games. The Browns attempted to trade him but opted to release him when a deal could not be reached. He is expected to sign with the Bills, who he played with in 2020, according to a report.

As a ninth-year pro, Jefferson recorded six tackles and one sack for 8 yards in his four limited appearances with the Browns. After being given a one-year contract worth $4 million in the offseason, he became expendable when second-round defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. was released from his five-game personal conduct suspension for a domestic incident with his fiancée NFL policy returned.

The Browns view Hall as the better interior runner and Maurice Hurst Jr. as the better run stopper. Last season, Jefferson recorded 6.0 sacks with the Jets and 5.5 the previous year with the Seahawks.

Shelby Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson are also playing well for the Browns.

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