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Browns Send Clear Message After Cutting Former Super Bowl Champion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 11:58 AM ET

This offseason, the Cleveland Browns focused much of their attention on their quarterback situation, as they decided who would be the Week 1 starter between Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.

However, that doesn't mean the organization has turned its back on other parts of the team, as on Thursday, the Browns released defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo, who still had one season left on his three-year, $19 million contract.

After releasing Okoronkwo, the Browns thanked him and wished him luck on X. "Obeezy, the ultimate good vibes, high-energy guy. Thank you for all you brought to our team. Good luck in the next chapter," the Browns posted.

Obeezy, the ultimate good vibes, high-energy guy. Thank you for all you brought to our team. Good luck in the next chapter. pic.twitter.com/UwOVetABpv
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 26, 2025

In his two seasons with Cleveland, the 6-foot-2 defensive end accumulated a solid amount of production. Appearing in 30 games, he totaled 54 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, 21 pressures and seven quarterback knockdowns.

Throughout the entirety of his six-year career (2019-2024), Okoronkwo racked up 132 tackles, 31 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 38 quarterback hits, 55 pressures and 20 quarterback knockdowns so far.

Despite not earning many personal accolades, one of the most notable aspects of his NFL journey has been being a part of the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, it's clear that even after the Browns released Okoronkwo, the team will always hold a special place in his heart, as on the same day, he went to X to say "Love to the Land!"

Now, it will remain to be seen if any other teams decide to take a chance on the 30-year-old defensive end as he becomes a free agent.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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