CLEVELAND — Days after adding free agent end Jadeveon Clowney to their defensive line, the Browns terminated veteran tackle Sheldon Richardson’s contract after two seasons.

Richardson’s release is surprising because he played well since joining the Browns before the 2019 season. The 6-foot-3, 294-pounder started all 16 games last season, finishing with 64 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks.

A first-round pick of the Jets, Richardson was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013. He signed a three-year, $37 million contract with the Browns.