Browns cut Kitchen, Taylor

The Browns have released defensive tackle Phil Taylor, a former first-round pick, and former Cardinal Mooney and Kent State defensive lineman Ishmaa'ily Kitchen.

Taylor was coming back following knee surgeries and had been limited in training camp and played 11 snaps in Cleveland’s exhibition on Saturday against Tampa Bay. The 6-foot-3, 335-pound Taylor was guaranteed to make over $5 million this season.

Cleveland has depth on its defensive line, and Taylor, the No. 21 overall pick in 2011, became expendable. He wasn’t as far along in his rehab as the team had hoped and coach Mike Pettine said Taylor’s contract was not a factor in the decision.

The team's depth on the defensive front also may have figured in Kitchen's release.

Also, Travis Coons has won Cleveland’s kicking job, beating out Cary Spear, who was released. Coons made a 41-yard field goal — his only attempt — and three extra points in the Browns’ first three exhibitions.