Berea, OH (92.3 The Fan) - The Cleveland Browns continued reshaping their roster Thursday by releasing 10 players.
Receiver Sammie Coates was waived and cornerback Jason McCourty was traded to New England Thursday.
General manager John Dorsey originally planned to waive McCourty but was able to work out a deal with the Patriots that included the Browns sending their seventh-round pick - No. 219 for the Patriots' sixth-rounder No. 205.
"Jason’s agent was in the building today. He and I had a long conversation," Dorsey said. "Out of respect for him, I told [McCourty] we were going to release him today. I did that for a reason because I wanted to be fair to him and I think he has earned that trust and respect to do that. I wanted to talk to him personally that I want to give you a shot to go somewhere else, because right now, I don’t know if you will make this roster."
In 14 games - all starts - last season McCourty broke up 14 passes, forced two fumbles and had three interceptions.
"Cleveland it’s been real! I wish nothing but the best to the guys in that locker room! Thank you to the Haslam’s and the organization for giving me the opportunity to lead and do what I love last season!," McCourty tweeted.
Coates posted: "Thanks cleveland for the opportunity!"
Coates caught 6 passes for 70 yards in 12 games, 1 start last season after being acquired in a minor trade from Pittsburgh.
Defensive back B.W. Webb's contract was also terminated Thursday. Defensive linemen Ricky Ali'ifua and Collin Bevins, offensive linemen Zach Banner and Joseph Cheek, linebacker Jeremy Cash, defensive back Trevon Hartfield and running back Josh Rounds were waived by the team.
