BEREA, Ohio — The Browns cut big Phil Taylor and swallowed his beefy contract.
A first-round pick in 2011, Taylor was released Tuesday by Cleveland in a surprising move that included the Browns having to pay him a guaranteed $5.5 million. The 6-foot-3, 335-pound Taylor underwent two knee surgeries last year and has been limited during training camp and the exhibition season.
His recovery wasn't going as well as expected — he played 11 snaps in last week's win over Tampa Bay — and the Browns feel good enough about the depth on their defensive line to release a player who was once considered a potential cornerstone.