28 August 2023 , 22:51
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The Cleveland Browns displayed a new level of ruthlessness, parting ways with offensive lineman Michael Dunn just two hours after wishing him a happy birthday.
Previous NFL reports indicated that the team was widely expected to keep Dunn as their primary backup option at guard. The team posted, "Join us in sending the happiest of birthday wishes to @MikeDunn4Real" on social media, but have yet to officially announce the news told by NFL Insider Tom Pelissero.
NFL teams must cut their rosters down to 53 players before the finalized roster deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Dunn was the clear-cut favorite to back up a duo of Pro Bowl guards, Wyatt Teller, and Joel Bitonio, heading into camp.
Dunn appeared in 28 games with the Browns over the last three seasons. After signing with the team on Aug. 9, 2020, he earned four starts with the franchise due to Bitonio testing positive for COVID-19 in 2021. Dunn displayed elite skill during the game, not allowing a single recorded QB pressure regarding protecting the quarterback.
When Dunn first signed with the Browns, he was waived for final roster cuts on Sept. 5 for the same reason: a move down to the wire for final roster cuts. He signed to the team's practice squad the next day, elevated to the active roster two months later for two months, and reverted to the practice squad after each game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles.
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The offensive lineman has had an up-and-down NFL career, with stints on lesser football organizations. Prior to playing for the Browns, Dunn was drafted by the Seattle Dragons in the sixth round of the 2020 XFL Draft. However, his contract was terminated after the league stopped operations in 2020.
Before the XFL, Dunn spent time in the Alliance of American Football League with the Birmingham Iron. His performances in the league got him signed by the Miami Dolphins the following year, although he was once again waived at final roster cuts.
Jalen Carter #98 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes the passer against Michael Dunn #68 of the Cleveland BrownsDunn went undrafted in the 2017 NFL Draft after having an outstanding career at Maryland University. He eventually made it to rookie minicamp tryouts with the Los Angeles Rams but was once again waived during final roster cuts. The offensive lineman has played for four NFL franchises and was waived during final roster cuts each time.
The Cleveland Browns' depth chart has recently been updated to include Wes Martin, Drew Forbes, and Dawson Deaton as the backup players for Bitonio and Teller. Martin and Forbes are currently listed as questionable due to concussion protocols and back problems.
After Dunn's release, Forbes was placed on the team's non-football injury list, which meant the team had no backup players for that position. After Dunn clears waivers, he can rejoin the team should a player on their roster end up on the injured reserve list.