CLEVELAND (AP) - The Cleveland Browns have released guard Eric Steinbach, who missed last season following back surgery.
Steinbach underwent an operation to fix a back disc in August and sat out his fifth season with Cleveland.
He was scheduled to make $6 million in 2012. His release will give the Browns more room under the salary cap. They opened free agency about $17 million under the cap.
The Browns signed the 31-year-old to a seven-year, $49.5 million contract in 2007. Steinbach proved to be money well spent, playing in 62 of 64 games before hurting his back during training camp.
It's possible the team may re-sign Steinbach, who believes he can come back and play at a high level.
Also, the Browns are close to signing free agent defensive end Frostee Rucker.
The Associated Press