Browns Releasing Christian Kirksey Could Signal They're Bringing Back Joe Schobert

The Cleveland Browns announced on Tuesday that they are releasing one of the team's longest-tenured players, linebacker Christian Kirksey, who had spent the previous six seasons with the organization.

Kirksey was rumored to be on the chopping block this offseason, and it was genuinely surprising that he made it through the Browns' first series of cuts. The 27-year-old signed a four-year, $38 million contract extension in 2017, and Cleveland simply couldn't afford to keep paying him.

If you read the tea leaves, however, this move could signal that the franchise is considering bringing back linebacker Joe Schobert, who is expected to hit the open market this offseason.

A few weeks ago, it was reported that the Browns were prepared to let Schobert walk in free agency, due to the team's unwillingness to pay him his $10 million asking price. The organization is quietly preserving and shedding cap space, which could enable it to make a move to retain Schobert, a Pro Bowler in 2017.

The former fourth-round pick has been a stud in the middle of Cleveland's defense over the last three years. Last season, he logged 133 combined tackles, two forced fumbles, four interceptions and nine passes defended, all while forming a steady rapport with fellow starting LB Mack Wilson.

With Cory Littleton highlighting a bereft linebacker free agency class, the Browns' release of Kirksey could persuade the front office to run it back with Schobert at the right price.