Browns Re-Signing Michael Dunn, Maurice Hurst

Originally posted on FanNation Browns Digest
By Pete Smith | Last updated 8/30/23

The Cleveland Browns released guard Michael Dunn and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst to get down to their initial 53 in order to place linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk and defensive end Alex Wright on injured reserve with the ability to return. Now that they are placing those two on IR, they are free to then re-sign Dunn and Hurst, getting them back to 53.

It's first being reported by Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, but this was widely expected.

Dunn is the Browns sixth best lineman. He can play both guard spots and has been able to slide into the center spot. Fortunately, the Browns have a healthy Nick Harris and Luke Wypler, so Dunn should only be needed to man the two guard spots.

#Browns will add G Michael Dunn and DT Maurice Hurst II back to the active roster after they place LB Jordan Kunaszyk and probably DE Alex Wright on short-term injured reserve
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 30, 2023

Hurst, meanwhile, has been on an upward trend as the preseason has progressed and is looking like the player he was before multiple seasons worth of injuries. He can get after the quarterback and could find himself in a rush package with Myles Garrett and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo on the edges, pairing with Za'Darius Smith on the interior.

The Browns have done this before. Starting left tackle Greg Robinson famously was released on a cut down day only to be re-signed with a little bonus coming his way after enabling the team to move a player to injured reserve. Dunn, who was released on his birthday, will likely get a gift from the Browns in the form of a little extra cash or guaranteed dollars.

These moves allow the Browns extra flexibility but require trust between the team, player and agent to get done. It's become increasingly a routine part of the Browns roster building strategy.

This article first appeared on FanNation Browns Digest and was syndicated with permission.

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