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The Cleveland Browns released cornerback Dimitri Patterson on Monday, according to Browns beat writer Jeff Schrudel. Patterson played on Sunday in the team's loss to the Redskins, recording two tackles. He has been an important member of a thin secondary this season, suggesting there is more behind the release than play on the field.
Patterson sat out seven games earlier this season with a high ankle sprain, and Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram believes the team was not pleased with the length of the absence and may have been tired of Patterson's possible lack of a "team-first" mentality.
The Browns signed Patterson to a three-year, $16.5 million this spring, as Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan reports. The contract guarantees $6 million, so Cleveland will be eating some cash on this roster move.
The sixth-year veteran was in his second year with the Browns, after spending time with the Eagles, Redskins, and Chiefs. He has played in 71 career games, recording 152 tackles and five interceptions.