Browns to release TE Austin Hooper, clear $9.5M in cap space

Austin Hooper will likely have no shortage of suitors following his release by the Browns. Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Browns release TE Austin Hooper, will clear $9.5M in cap space with post-June 1 designation

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 3/16/22

The Cleveland Browns have been active as the free-agent market has opened up and released two-time Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper on Wednesday, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Browns moving on from Hooper https://t.co/w1iRbwDHIJ
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) March 16, 2022

Hooper, 27, played two seasons in Cleveland coming off of back-to-back Pro Bowl nods while with the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately for both the team and the Northern California native, he didn't find the same success during his tenure with the Browns.

With his release coming with a post-June 1 designation, the Browns will also free up a cool $9.5 million in salary-cap space.

As a Post June 1st release, the #Browns will carry Austin Hooper’s entire $13.25M cap hit until 6/1, after which they’ll free up $9.5M of cap space.

Hooper will immediately become available to sign elsewhere at 4PM ET today.https://t.co/Xy0BbUCWF7
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 16, 2022

ESPN's Jake Trotter adds that Harrison Bryant will likely fill the spot left by Hooper alongside newly-franchise tagged David Njoku.

Cleveland has been giving its roster a noticeable facelift this week, highlighted by the release of star wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

The team is also rumored to be in on the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, which prompted an emotional social media post from current quarterback Baker Mayfield.

More must-reads: