The Cleveland Browns have made notable roster changes, announcing the release of defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo and the re-signing of kicker Andre Szmyt.
Ogbo Okoronkwo, 30, had been part of the Browns since 2023 and was set to enter the final year of his contract. Throughout his time in Cleveland, he showcased his skills as a pass rusher, accumulating 4.5 sacks in 2023 and 3.0 sacks in 2024. A former fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2018 NFL Draft, Okoronkwo played 80 games with 13 starts across his stints with the Rams, Houston Texans, and Browns, totaling 17.0 career sacks during that time.
On the flip side, kicker Andre Szmyt, 26, returns to the Browns after having initially joined the team’s practice squad in December and later signing a futures contract. Though he was waived earlier this month, Szmyt has had a varied football journey, previously playing for the Chicago Bears in 2023 after going undrafted, and also made an appearance with the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks in 2024.
This proactive approach by the Browns signals a determination to optimize their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season, maintaining a strategic balance in strengthening their key positions. The changes might present enhanced opportunities for Szmyt to contribute significantly on special teams, building upon his previous experiences.