NFL
Browns Cut Mychal Kendricks Amid Federal Insider Trading Charges
The Cleveland Browns cut linebacker Mychal Kendricks following federal charges of insider trading.
After joining the Browns this offseason, there was plenty of hype about Kendricks’ future in the Browns defense. In the wake of these charges, however, an increasingly negative light has been cast on Kendricks and the Browns organization. Making matters worse, the Browns were reportedly aware of the situation when they agreed to terms with Kendricks.
Reports indicate that Kendricks profited $1.2 million from his deal. With charges coming from federal prosecutors, there is little the Browns could do about the issue. Cutting Kendricks became the only logical option for Cleveland.
Wednesday morning, Kendricks’ attorneys released a statement from the linebacker, reading:
“To this point, I had worked my tail off since I was 5 years old to become a football player. I was drawn in by the allure of being more than just a football player. While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the illegal trades, I knew it was wrong, and I wholeheartedly regret my actions.”
Kendricks also included many apologies in his statement, stating:
“I sincerely apologize to my coaches, the owners, and my teammates on the Eagles and the Browns, the NFL, and the magnificent fans to whom I owe my career.”
According to ESPN, Kendricks will repay all illegally gained funds.
Kendricks was reportedly dealing with Damilare Sonoiki, a television writer. Sonoiki also faces charges and will answer to authorities along with Kendricks. The duo had mutually beneficial trade agreements that has now put them both in a bad position.
Kendricks’ 2017 Postseason
Kendricks is fortunate that this is only coming out now, having won a Super Bowl ring with the Eagles last season. The insider trading allegedly took place four years ago. Kendricks impressed in the postseason last year, ranking fourth in tackles among linebackers. However, the Eagles chose to release Kendricks this past May.
Cleveland’s Next Move
Viable outside linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Willie Young remain available as free agents. Both saw playing time last year and now look to be potential depth signings for the Browns this season.
While either player would likely be a downgrade from Kendricks, the Browns have few (if any) possible alternatives. With the regular season fast approaching, Cleveland needs to patch up its remaining holes — starting with the void now left at outside linebacker.
