The Brock Osweiler era has ended. 

According to multiple reports, the Browns have released Brock Osweiler. He is guaranteed $16 million for the 2017 season. 

His tenure in Cleveland lasted less than 6 months after the Browns acquired him from the Houston Texans on March 9.

The team did the trade to help the Texans financially but also because Houston gave them a 2018 second round pick in the deal. The move was criticized by many in the media because the Browns essentially bought a draft pick much like deals that happen in the NBA. 

Cleveland tried to move him immediately after acquiring him but no one wanted to take on the massive contract even though the Browns were willing to pay some of the salary.

They brought him to camp and let him compete for the starting job. He started out second on the depth chart but was elevated to starter when Cody Kessler struggled. Osweiler started the first two preseason games but couldn’t lock down the starting job especially with rookie DeShone Kizer continuing to get better with each opportunity of reps and playing time. 

Once Kizer was named starter, people questioned whether or not Osweiler would have a future with the organization. The team tried to trade him again the last several weeks but once again no one would take on the contract. 

Releasing Desmond Bryant and Joe Haden over the last week helped make the cap hit releasing Osweiler easier for the Browns who still have over $40 million in cap space. 

I’m sure Osweiler will be picked up by a quarterback needy team like the Colts, Bills, Broncos, or Jets because he’s not going to command big time money because he’s already got $16 million in his pocket guaranteed.

As for the Browns, the quarterback depth chart behind Kizer is in question. Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan competed for the backup spot on Thursday night and I believe Hogan won a roster spot. Kessler will likely be shopped by the Browns in a trade and if there’s no takers, he’ll be released.