The Cleveland Browns tightened their 53-man roster ahead of the season, balancing a mix of veteran depth and promising youth in a slate of moves that also highlighted ongoing quarterback questions and injury concerns.
Under center and at quarterback
The Browns carried four quarterbacks but didn’t keep them all in the same room for long. Deshaun Watson remains on the reserve/physically unable to perform list, meaning he won’t count toward the 53-man tally for now. In a Tuesday trade that reshaped the depth chart, the Browns moved Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas, leaving Joe Flacco as the Week 1 starter with two rookies behind him: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Head coach Kevin Stefanski indicated Gabriel will start the season as the primary backup, solidifying the rookie’s immediate role behind Flacco.
The club had drafted two quarterbacks in April and owns two first-round picks in 2026 that could help guide the next quarterback pursuit. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has said Gabriel and Sanders will get opportunities this year to help determine the future at the position. Watson’s status remains uncertain; he’s been dealing with the aftermath of a second torn Achilles tendon and is not expected to be ready to start the year. If he clears medicals and is deemed healthy later, the team would face decisions about activating him.
On the roster moves side, Cleveland also traded for a quarterback-related asset that influences future plans, though the immediate focus was on addressing current depth.
Offensive line and protection
The line absorbed a notable addition in KT Leveston, acquired from the Rams for a 2024 seventh-round pick. Cleveland paid a 2028 seventh-round pick to ensure Leveston’s services through 2027, reportedly avoiding waivers to the Tennessee Titans in the process. Leveston becomes the 10th lineman on the active roster. Veterans are in place for protection, with Cornelius Lucas expected to serve as the top backup tackle, though he’s dealing with an ankle injury. A knee injury sidelined starting center Ethan Pocic in the preseason finale, and Stefanski said Pocic could be “potentially available” for the Sept. 7 opener against the Bengals.
The line remains a work in progress, with the Browns moving on from veteran right tackle Jackson Barton and young tackle Jason Ivey during the initial rounds of cuts. Given Pocic’s status and the team’s lack of a drafted interior lineman, Cleveland could continue pursuing additions via waivers.
Running backs and backfield depth
The Browns are short at running back behind Jerome Ford and Dylan Samson, with Quinshon Judkins unsigned and Pierre Strong Jr. waived-injured after a concussion in the preseason finale. The depth chart for Week 1 could still evolve as the team weighs waiver options and potential signings.
Wide receivers and receiving corps
Gage Larvadain impressed through the camp and earned a spot, while Diontae Johnson, who was added after the draft, did not make the cut. Johnson’s tenure offered some veteran experience, but his practice habits and performance hadn’t given him a strong foothold. The Browns signed Johnson to address a lack of experience at receiver, but he didn’t fully catch up, contributing to the decision to release him. Isaiah Bond, a speedy undrafted rookie, joined late and did not preclude Johnson’s exit; the Browns also added DeAndre Carter as a return specialist.
The club kept six receivers, with Larvadain and Bond in the mix. Carter is slated to handle return duties, and the team may use the waiver wire to add more receiving help if opportunities arise. Bond’s readiness for the start of the season remains up in the air given the timing of his arrival.
Special teams and kicking
Dustin Hopkins was released after a difficult summer and a rough 2024 season, leading to the promotion of Andre Szmyt as the Browns’ kicker. Szmyt has limited regular-season experience, having joined the practice squad late last season and serving as the second kicker through camp. The team absorbed roughly $2.1 million in dead money from Hopkins’ release, with a roughly $2.6 million cap savings projected in 2025 tied to the Pickett trade.
Defense and depth
The Browns added 11 rookies to the roster, including Donovan McMillon (safety) and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (linebacker), who were among the more surprising inclusions. They could be released later to accommodate waiver claims or might contribute on special teams early in the season.
Linebackers sit at five on the current 53-man tally, with Mohamoud Diabate out due to an undisclosed injury in recent weeks. Veterans Rayshawn Jenkins and Damontae Kazee joined the defense on one-year deals with partial guarantees, and undrafted Dom Jones is listed at cornerback.
Overall, Cleveland also listed Don Jones among the undrafted players who could contribute, while Adin Huntington, a defensive tackle, is part of the rookie contingent.
Outlook and next steps
Cleveland is still active in the waiver process, with the waiver period opening for claims and practice squad adjustments. The team is likely to continue adding depth, particularly on the offensive line and at running back, as Pocic’s availability remains uncertain and Leveston’s arrival provides more interior protection flexibility.
The Browns face further roster shaping in the days ahead as they refine their 53-man group ahead of the season opener, scheduled for Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals. While questions remain at quarterback and injuries linger, the club is leaning on a mix of veteran presence and promising youth to push for a competitive year.
Summary and takeaways
– Browns finalize a 53-man roster with a blend of veterans and rookies.
– Deshaun Watson remains on PUP; Joe Flacco starts Week 1 with Gabriel and Sanders behind him.
– KT Leveston added to strengthen the offensive line; Pocic’s status remains a concern.
– Diontae Johnson released; Gage Larvadain and Isaiah Bond among the receiving group, with DeAndre Carter handling return duties.
– Dustin Hopkins released; Andre Szmyt takes over kicking duties.
– 11 rookies on the roster; ongoing waiver and practice squad adjustments expected.
Additional comments
– The Browns are prioritizing long-term quarterback evaluation, leveraging Gabriel and Sanders while balancing the present with Flacco. The success of the rookie duo in a challenging early schedule could shape the franchise’s direction over the next several seasons.
– Injury uncertainties at center and tackle will test the coaching staff’s ability to deploy an adaptable offensive line, with the waiver wire likely to provide further reinforcements.
– The defensive rookies’ development will bear watching, particularly in special teams and depth roles, as Cleveland seeks to maintain a competitive edge while managing a high volume of young players.