Morgan

Burnett

32-year-old Burnett was the 71st overall pick of the 2010 draft out of Georgia Tech and spent his first eight seasons with the Packers before one-year stints with the Steelers and Browns. His career essentially ended with a 2019 torn Achilles’ in Cleveland, as Burnett was out of the league last year. Burnett started 112 career games, registering 10 interceptions, 9.5 sacks, and eight forced fumbles. He was more of a box safety.

Burnett turned 31 last January. The 10-year veteran started eight games for the Browns in 2019, recording 41 tackles, one interception and two sacks along the way. Perhaps Burnett’s best years are behind him, but he could still attract some interest on the open market as a backup.

Burnett’s MRI confirmed he tore his Achilles in Thursday’s win over the Steelers. It’s another blow to the Browns after losing Myles Garrett to suspension. Burnett is facing a nine-month timetable and isn’t a lock to be ready for the start of next year. The Browns can save $3.5 million from releasing Burnett this offseason.

An MRI should confirm the diagnosis later today. Burnett’s likely season-ender represents another crushing blow to a Browns secondary that has rarely been at full strength. Assuming Burnett is done for 2019, he’ll finish the year with 41 tackles, two sacks and one interception across 367 defensive snaps. Juston Burris and Sheldrick Redwine are the leading candidates to replace him at strong safety.

Uh oh. Burnett was having a huge game against his former team before going down, flying all over the field and intercepting a pass. The pick was his first of the season.

Randall didn’t see the practice field this week and is all but certain to miss Sunday’s game in New England. Morgan Burnett would be the logical choice to replace him at free safety.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth a maximum of $9 million with $4 million guaranteed. Unhappy with his role as a dime linebacker in Pittsburgh, Burnett was finally granted his release by the Steelers earlier this week, and he did not have to wait long to find a new home. It is possible Cleveland adds someone else, but Burnett looks like the favorite to start opposite Damarious Randall at this point.

Burnett wanted out of Pittsburgh much earlier in the offseason, and now he will find a limited market with most teams already landing on safeties a couple weeks back. Burnett played out of position in Pittsburgh last year as a dime linebacker. He just turned 30 in January. The move saves the Steelers $5 million in cash.

Burnett reportedly felt as if he played out of position with the Steelers as a linebacker in dime packages and wants a fresh start. He has two years remaining on his current deal. If granted his release, Burnett would likely sign on with an interested team as a full-time safety.

Burnett has been out since Week 2 because of a groin injury, but it is a great sign he was able to practice coming out of the bye week. Barring any setbacks, he should be ready to face the Browns on Sunday.