In a surprising move, the Cleveland Browns will reportedly waive strong safety Derrick Kindred according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The Browns have reportedly been trying to trade Kindred and he was part of the trade talks with the New York Giants for Odell Beckham but Cleveland eventually traded Jabrill Peppers as part of the deal to land Beckham.

With Peppers being moved, many thought that Kindred would be the starter at strong safety for the 2019 season with competition being added via the draft or free agency but it looks as though the Browns have other plans in mind.

Kindred was the team’s fourth round pick in 2016 out of TCU and appeared in 42 games over his three seasons with the Browns.

His best season was in 2017 when he played in 14 games (10 starts) with 55 tackles (10 for a loss), six pass deflections and an interception.

In 2018, he played in all 16 games (2 starts) and had 45 tackles, one interception and one forced fumble. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 90th overall safety in the NFL with a 46.8 grade (below average).

Many would expect the Browns to add a safety sooner rather than later now as Jermaine Whitehead is the only strong safety on the roster.

The team has been in contact with free agents Tre Boston and Eric Berry this offseason according to John Dorsey’s statements last week at the NFL owners meetings.

Also keep an eye on Steelers safety Morgan Burnett once they release him.

Burnett has ties to many in the Browns front office who were in Green Bay when he was drafted by the Packers in 2010 and Browns secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr. was also with the Packers while Burnett was there.