Cleveland Browns cut OG Eric Steinbach, Peyton Hillis deserts team for Kansas City Chiefs-NFL News
On failing to agree a deal with offensive guard, Eric Steinbach, the Cleveland Browns confirmed on Wednesday, March 14, 2012, to have released the player.
The release has come on the player’s refusal to accept a reduction in his benefits, as confirmed by his agent, Jack Bechta.
According to the agent, Steinbach was not willing to "take a significant salary reduction," and was eventually waived by the management, which is looking to consolidate their players’ salary expenditure to bring it down within the cap level.
If the team is able to settle down with their expense issue and the player remains available on the free agency by then, they could re-sign him.
Browns’ general manager, Tom Heckert said:
"These types of decisions are the difficult part of this job, especially when it involves a player such as Eric Steinbach. Eric exhibited tremendous leadership and passion for the game during his time here. We want to thank him for his contributions."
Irrespective to all those prospects, the player stands losing $6 million he was due to make into last year of his $49.5 million, seven-year deal he had signed with Browns in 2007.
Another problem in the way of the player’s possible stay at Browns could be his back injury, which forced him out of the entire 2011-12 National Football League (NFL) season.
He underwent a surgery to fix a disc in his back in August 2011 and did not return to the squad for the entire past season.
With no word on the latest status of his health, the prospects and scope of his signing by another side off the free agency remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, the player offered his gratitude to local fans and the team management for their support to him during past six years of his stay in Cleveland.
He said:
"It has been a good ride in Cleveland and I hope it can continue. I'm proud to say that the offensive line has been a bright spot through the past few seasons. It has been a privilege to play for the city of Cleveland and its rich tradition.”
Browns are apparently hoping for the reunion, which remains the possibility given that he has very few opportunities in the free agency market.
On the other hand, running back, Peyton Hillis, has deserted Browns for the Kansas City Chiefs on a year-long contract.
The player, who was interested in winning a long-term deal from Browns, had been through a rough period of time during the last year.
His move to Kansas City has come against the hopes of the general manager, Heckert, who according to a statement last week, was interested in re-signing the player.
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