CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Browns have released center and NFLPA president JC Tretter.
Tretter, who was in the final year of his second three-year contract with the Browns, was scheduled to make $8.235 million in salary, roster and workout bonuses this year.
The move saves the Browns over $8.2 million in salary cap space.
“For the past five seasons, JC has been a mainstay and iron man at center for us,” Browns executive vice president of football operations and general manager Andrew Berry said. “He came to our organization at a time of instability and was one of the key veterans that helped turn the tide over the past several years. His leadership—both within the locker room and the field—will be missed. We wish JC well as he continues his career.”
Tretter was just recently re-elected to a second two-year term as NFLPA president.
Tretter posted a goodbye letter to Cleveland on is Twitter account Tuesday afternoon in which he thanked members of the organization, support staff, fans and his friend Joel Bitonio.
“To the entire Browns organization and the city of Cleveland, thank you for a wonderful 5 years,” Tretter wrote. “To all the people that work so hard for us behind the scenes, from the equipment staff, nutrition staff, cafeteria staff, security staff, facilities and grounds crew and to all the professional staff at the club: you made work fun, and I’ll miss you. … I’m going to miss my teammates. I’m leaving Cleveland with incredible memories and friendships that will last much longer than my time here. I wish you all nothing but the best.
“Finally, to my friend Joel Bitonio: You are the heart of the Cleveland Browns. It has been my pleasure to play next to you for 5 years and I look forward to the day you are put in the ring of honor with other Browns greats. Thank you to everyone who helped make Anna and me feel at home in Cleveland. My family and I look forward to the next adventure and helping our next team pursue a Super Bowl.”
Bitonio responded, “You will be missed! Your work ethic, toughness, leadership and intelligence made us a better team and organization! It was an honor to play next to you and to call you my friend @JCTretter”
Tretter started 80 games at center and did not miss a snap until testing positive for COVID-19 and missing a trip to Green Bay on Christmas for the Browns after signing in 2017 as a free agent from Green Bay. He signed a three-year extension in 2019.
Nick Harris, selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, is likely in line to replace Tretter in the middle of the offensive line.