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Browns release Gary Barnidge

Gregory Shamus / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Cleveland Browns have released Gary Barnidge, the veteran tight end announced Friday on Twitter.

The surprising move comes less than a day after the Browns traded up in the first round to select former Miami tight end David Njoku at 29th overall.

Barnidge appeared to have no idea his job was in danger, as he welcomed the young tight to the team after the pick Thursday:

Following a breakout 2015 season in which he caught 79 passes for 1,042 yards, Barnidge signed a three-year, $12.3-million contract extension with the Browns.

And while the 31-year-old's numbers regressed in 2016, it was assumed he'd play a big part in the offense in 2017, even with the selection of Njoku.

Cleveland saves just over $2 million toward the cap in 2017 and around $4.3 million in 2018 by cutting Barnidge.

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