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SALT LAKE CITY — This offseason likely isn’t going the way Paul Kruger pictured it going. Kruger, who played high school football in Orem and college at the University of Utah, was cut by the Cleveland Browns Monday, ending a three-year run that didn’t live up to expectation.
It makes sense for the Browns to move on. They’ve pretty much gutted that franchise — a new head coach, a new quarterback in Robert Griffin III, and a bunch of fresh, new faces. The Browns are rebuilding long term.
The Browns have been cleaning house all offseason. Even Monday night they traded veteran punter Andy Lee to the Panthers for their young punter and a fourth round draft pick in 2018. The Browns are thinking down the road long term, and a 30-year-old pass rusher just isn't in those plans.
Kruger expressed that he felt utilized incorrectly. That doesn’t shock anyone considering the mess the Browns have been in the past several seasons, but this doesn’t stop the fact that his numbers have been less than impressive.
So what’s next for Paul Kruger?
It didn’t take long for him to get an interview. According to a league source, he’ll be meeting with the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday. It makes sense, considering the Saints were a strong suitor in the 2013 offseason when he signed with the Browns. It also makes sense when you consider the Saints struggle mightily at pass rush.
Last preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the pass rush was nonexistent as Ben Roethlisberger and Landry Jones cruised over the Saints, combining for 31-39 for 354 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and no sacks. Throughout the game, first team, second team, and third team, they couldn’t penetrate the Steelers' offensive line.
Kruger would be a great option to put across pro-bowler Cameron Jordan. The two could cause some damage, and while they wouldn’t be the league’s greatest pass rushing tandem, they would definitely bring that pass rush, and that whole defense, up a few notches.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported that Kruger will be meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Chiefs have more weapons on defense than the Saints, this still makes sense. Andy Reid attended Brigham Young University, it was also where he got his first ever coaching job. Since Kruger’s early football career has ties to Utah, it makes sense that Reid would seek him out.
With names like Justin Houston, Tamba Hali and Jaye Howard on the Chiefs, it’s unlikely he’ll be given a starting job, but at age 30 maybe it’s best to take a job as a role player and preserve your career as long as you can.
No matter where Kruger signs, things will look better. While the breakup with the Browns may have been ugly, it may end up being better for both parties in the end.
