The Cleveland Browns were looking to trade cornerback Joe Haden, according to Jason La Canfora, and it would appear they could not find a partner. The Browns announced on Wednesday they have released him. He is a vested veteran, which means he is free to sign with anywhere beginning at 1 p.m. PT this afternoon.
Haden remains a talented contributor, but he is not playing at the level he was when he first signed his big extension. He’s due $11.1 million this year and next year, and $10.4 million the following year. He is likely to land a new contract pretty quickly, but it won’t be anywhere near what he was going to make.
The 49ers could use some more depth at cornerback, but even if they are interested, I have a hunch Haden ends up on a contender. The 49ers could potentially offer him a little more money, but it could depend on what contenders are in the mix.