A Focused Paul Kruger Ready to Make an Impact for the Browns in 2016

The Browns turnaround on defense took center stage on Tuesday, as one of their key defensive players took to the stage in Berea to talk about the letdown of 2015, and what the team can do better in 2016.

That player is Paul Kruger, who at one point last season was rumored to be on the trading block by the club. Kruger also spent the offseason having to wonder if he would wear brown and orange again as a player.

After all, he’s the dreaded age of 30, and this season is due to make $6.5 million and next year make $7 million.

Kruger said he’s ready to put any talk of playing elsewhere aside, and with his mates is ready to put what was a year of disaster in 2015 for the Browns aside as well.

“Those are discussions that I just let my agent and those people take care of, but I am here right now,” Kruger said when asked about the possibility of being moved.

“This is where I am planning on being come August.”

The Browns need Kruger to be like the player they gave a huge five-year, $40.5 million dollar deal back in 2013. He has played in all 48 games in the three years he’s played in Cleveland, starting 46 of those 48 games.

If there’s one thing about Kruger, he’s not looking back to what was a tough season in 2015 in which the team won three games. He seems excited about the changes the team has made, and sounds like a guy that wants to be a part of what hopefully will be a much better season in 2016 in Cleveland.

“I believe that we are in a position to put ourselves exactly where we want to be in 2016,” Kruger said.

“There is nothing that I want more than to be a part of that transition. We have been working our tails off. Guys are putting a lot of hard work in. Coaches are enthusiastic. It is a very positive atmosphere right now. I’ve got to tell you, it’s an exciting environment right now.”

Last year Kruger had just 2.5 sacks, this after an 11 sack season in 2014. He’s put up 18 sacks in his three seasons with the Browns, and this season is expected to be back in a more traditional pass rushing role, something he’s looking forward to.

“I think it will just be more of a traditional outside linebacker role where you are balanced in the run-pass, whether it is dropping in coverage and rushing the passer, in more of a consistent rushing the passer and dropping in coverage seldom,” Kruger said.

“More traditional in that sense.”

For now, it’s time for him to put aside the thoughts of being let go like fellow defenders Donte Whitner and Karlos Dansby, and time to get ready to try and get the defense back on track.

It didn’t stop him from having some nerve-wracking moments this offseason.

“It made me a little nervous. I’m not going to lie,” Kruger said.

“I am loyal to this team and it has been a lot of hard work that has been put in, and I want to see that through. I couldn’t be more happy and excited to be here in this seat.”