The Cleveland Browns’ surprising decision to release cornerback Joe Haden prior to the season apparently was not well received by the team’s coaching staff.
CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reports that the release of Haden had Browns head coach Hue Jackson “irate.” Jackson reportedly had no idea that the team was even shopping the cornerback.
Cleveland’s coaching staff is said to have felt that Haden was having a good offseason and that he was healthier than he had been in the past. They also looked at him as a key leader for the club. Then the Browns released him out of nowhere, and he signed with the AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
What did Cleveland gain from the move? They paid around $4 million to release him rather than the $11 million he was owed for the upcoming season.
Haden’s play had dropped off the past few years according to Pro Football Focus, but that could be attributed to injuries.
Joe Haden's play has dropped off recently, can he rebound with a new team?https://t.co/NsIaT76z4e pic.twitter.com/LBY65TCC7L
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) August 30, 2017
Clearly Pittsburgh expects him to turn it around.
