Elijah

Lee

Lee, 26, appeared in 16 games for Cleveland last season, seeing just 73 snaps on defense while logging a whopping 85% of the special teams snaps for the Browns. The latter is where he’ll help Kansas City.

A fourth-round pick in 2018, Lauletta was let go by the Browns earlier today. In addition, the Browns waived/released WR KhaDarel Hodge, DL Sheldon Day, RB Johnny Stanton, LB Elijah Lee, DL Joe Jackson, DL Cameron Malveaux, DL Curtis Weaver, S Jovante Moffatt, DB Elijah Benton, WR Ja’Marcus Bradley, TE Jordan Franks, TE Kyle Markway, G Colby Gossett, LB Willie Harvey, LB Tegray Scales, RB John Kelly, C Javon Patterson, CB Emmanuel Rugamba, and DT Marvin Wilson.

Lee was initially promoted from San Francisco’s practice squad following Kwon Alexander’s trip to injured reserve last year, logging 240 special teams snaps across 11 appearances from Week 10 on. He’ll challenge Jason Cabinda and Steve Longa for a similar role in Detroit.

Lee spent the first half of 2019 on the practice squad. He was promoted when Kwon Alexander went on IR in Week 10, appearing in eight games (one start). The low tender of $2.1 million is too high for Lee but he’ll likely be re-signed on a minimum deal.

An exclusive rights free agent, Lee made five 2018 starts at middle linebacker. He was not effective. This does give Lee a leg up on a 2019 53-man roster spot.

Lee (6’3/229) turned pro after starting 2-of-3 seasons at K-State, tallying 18.5 career tackles for loss with 11 sacks, five interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Snubbed for a Combine invite, Lee shined at the Wildcats’ Pro Day with a 4.72 forty, 38-inch vertical, and 7.05 three-cone time. On college tape, Lee popped on passing downs as an explosive pursuit player and flashed high-end pass-coverage chops. He deserved more buzz during the pre-draft phase.