The signing of unrestricted free agent Benjamin Watson prompted the Browns to release Steve Heiden later Friday.
Heiden, an 11-year veteran, finished last season on injured reserve after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery in December, 2008. Heiden blew out his knee in a Dec. 15 game at Philadelphia, but rushed to have it repaired so he could be ready for training camp in 2009. Heiden played in seven games and caught 10 passes for 73 yards and a TD last season.
The second-longest tenured Brown behind kicker Phil Dawson, Heiden had started 70 games since arriving from San Diego in 2002.
In his career, Heiden has totalled 201 receptions for 1,684 yards and 14 touchdowns, with 187 catches, 1,597 yards and 12 scores coming with the Browns.
Meanwhile, restricted free agent linebacker Jason Trusnik, a Nordonia High School product, signed his second-round tender. The tender for a three-year veteran carries a salary of $1.684 million in 2010.
Trusnik is the first of the Browns' tendered restricted free agents to sign. The group also includes linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, fullback Lawrence Vickers, linebacker Matt Roth, safety Abram Elam and running back Jerome Harrison. All received second-round tenders, although their one-year salary level varies depending on years of service.
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Don't like this move. Heiden was one of the most reliable receivers on the team. Hope this is injury-related, not a talent evaluation. We will really miss Steve.
Heiden was/is one of my favorite players.
The new honchos are changing the club.
Well, it appears I sent in my season ticket money way too early. I am at a total loss as to what the Browns are doing. Getting a 39 year old quarterback to compete with a 7 year nobody from Seattle. I guess this was one of Holmgrens projects. When is the new GM going to get his friends jobs. Getting rid of Brady for two nobodies at quarterback 1 washed up and the other couldn't start with a bad Seattle team. Another hear of starting over. Ain't this fun Brown fans. My plan for my tickets this year will be to give them to fans of the opposing teams. When they fire Mangini next year they can rebuild again.