Dawgs By Nature
For anything related to the Cleveland Browns, the word “guaranteed” holds a special place in the depths of the hell that has been the team’s fortunes since “The Return.“ QB Deshaun Watson’s deal was so bad that NFL owners, reportedly, tried to collude to keep others from getting all of their money for sure.
The concept of guaranteed contracts came up again this offseason with second-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft.
With the 2025 NFL trade deadline just around the corner, the Browns made two moves on Monday, with WR Cedric Tillman designated for return and S Damontae Kazee being released.
A new detail of Kazee’s release adds an interesting dynamic with Cleveland saving $200,000 of money that was guaranteed to the safety to facilitate his release:
Playing in his ninth season, the Browns signed Kazee in free agency late in the process. The team also added veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who is reportedly available in a trade before Tuesday’s deadline.
While Jenkins has played over 200 total snaps in eight games this season for Cleveland, Kazee has only played in 48 snaps (11 on defense) in his four contests.
The Browns “did right” by the veteran safety and saved some money in the process for a player who wasn’t getting on the field. A win-win situation.
