Browns roster cutdown tracker: Cleveland slashes 90 to 53 players

Cleveland Browns Trim Roster to 53 Players

The Cleveland Browns have started their process of reducing their roster from 90 players to the 53 required by the NFL. This move comes after their preseason finale against the Los Angeles Rams, and the team must finalize their 53-man roster by 4 p.m. Eastern Time. With 37 players needing to be cut, the process has been extensive and filled with several notable moves.

Quarterbacks Remain on the Roster

Despite the significant number of cuts, none of the four quarterbacks—Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders—are expected to be released. All four are likely to make the final 53-man roster. However, the sheer volume of changes makes it challenging for fans to keep up, which is why this update aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the moves made by the Browns.

Cole Strange Joins the Practice Squad

Cole Strange, a 2022 first-round pick by the New England Patriots, was released after just three seasons under the new regime of head coach Mike Vrabel. He cleared waivers and later signed with the Browns’ practice squad. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Browns plan to eventually sign Strange to their active roster.

Former Jets Player Signs with Browns

Another player who found his way to the Browns is a former third-round pick from the New York Jets. After being waived by the Jets and going unclaimed on waivers, the wide receiver joined the Browns’ practice squad. His ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC) has made him an intriguing addition to the team.

Nine Players Added to the Practice Squad

The Browns announced the signing of nine players to their practice squad. These include:

• TE Sal Cannella
• WR Kaden Davis
• S Christopher Edmonds
• DT Ralph Holley
• CB LaMareon James
• DT Sam Kamara
• RB Ahmani Marshall
• DE Julian Okwara
• RB Trayveon Williams

Additionally, the Browns claimed two players off waivers: running back Raheim Sanders and cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse. In exchange, they released tight end Brenden Bates and cornerback Dom Jones.

Finalizing the 53-Man Roster

The Browns officially trimmed their roster to 53 players. Some key moves included placing quarterback Deshaun Watson on the Physically Unable to Perform list, wide receiver David Bell on the Non-Football Injury list, and linebacker Winston Reid on injured reserve. One surprising cut was kicker Dustin Hopkins, who lost the kicking job to Andre Smyth.

Undrafted Free Agents Make the Roster

Six undrafted free agents will be part of the initial 53-man roster. In addition to Isaiah Bond and Adin Huntington, the Browns will also include Gage Larvadain, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, Dom Jones, and Donovan McMillon.

Veteran Running Back Likely to Be Released

Pierre Strong Jr., a veteran running back, is expected to be released. This follows reports that the Browns are looking to add a running back via trade. The team could potentially make a move in the coming days to bolster their backfield.

Diontae Johnson and Kaden Davis Released

After a disappointing preseason, the Browns moved on from wide receiver Diontae Johnson, marking the fifth team to release him since the end of the 2023 season. Kaden Davis was also released, adding to the list of cuts.

Trade for Offensive Lineman

The Browns acquired offensive lineman KT Leveston from the Rams in a trade that involved a seventh-round pick in the 2028 NFL draft. Leveston, who had a chance to play against the Browns in the preseason, now joins the team’s offensive line.

DeAndre Carter Stays with the Team

Despite initial reports that DeAndre Carter might be released, it was confirmed that he will remain with the team. This is positive news for rookie Gage Larvadain, who is gaining attention as an undrafted free agent.

Kenny Pickett Traded to the Raiders

The Browns made a surprise move by trading Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders. In return, they received their fifth-round pick back from the Philadelphia Eagles. This means the team will only keep three quarterbacks on the roster.

Release of Veterans

Two veterans were released: quarterback Tyler Huntley and cornerback Nik Needham. While Huntley's release was expected, the departure of Needham came as a surprise, especially given the team's need for a nickel cornerback.

Major Cuts Announced

The Browns have already announced 21 of their 37 cuts. Here is the list of players who have been released:

• CB Tony Brown II
• OT Jackson Barton
• CB Chigozie Anusiem
• TE Sal Canella
• G Javion Cohen
• T Sebastian Gutierrez
• DE K.J. Henry
• DT Ralph Holley
• CB Christian Holmes
• CB Keenan Isaac
• T Jason Ivey
• DE Titus Le
• LB Marvin Moody
• CB Darius Rush
• LB Charlie Thomas III
• T Lorenzo Thompson
• G Dartanyan Tinsley
• TE Mitchell Van Vooren
• C Bucky Williams