The Cleveland Browns have completed their roster cuts ahead of the 6 p.m. deadline, finalizing their 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season. The team made 21 moves to reduce their roster by 14 players including placing quarterback Dillon Gabriel on injured reserve with a back injury.
With just two weeks until their regular season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars the Browns have set their initial lineup, featuring a mix of veterans and new talent acquired through the offseason.
The Browns’ final roster decisions
The Browns’ roster cuts were not without controversy, particularly the decision to waive wide receiver Luke Floriea a local fan favorite who had a standout preseason. Floriea, a former Kent State Golden Flash scored three touchdowns in preseason games and made numerous plays during training camp. The Browns hope to sign him to the practice squad if he clears waivers.
In addition to Floriea, the Browns waived several other players, including running back Davon Booth defensive end Logan Fano and safety Zion Washington. The team also terminated the contracts of cornerbacks Myles Bryant and D’Angelo Ross as well as defensive tackle Sam Kamara.
Alongside Gabriel, tight end Joe Royer was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list with a designation to return. Royer had been absent from training camp due to a personal situation.
Key players make the cut
The Browns’ initial 53-man roster features a strong mix of experienced players and promising rookies. Quarterback Deshaun Watson will start the season as the team’s primary quarterback, with Taylen Green and Shedeur Sanders serving as backups.
At the wide receiver position, veterans Jerry Jeudy and Tylan Wallace will anchor the unit, supported by rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion Jr.. The tight end group includes Harold Fannin Jr.Carsen Ryan and Blake Whiteheart.
The running back corps consists of Michael BurtonQuinshon JudkinsDylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders. The offensive line features a blend of veterans and rookies, including Spencer FanoTytus Howard and Dawand Jones.
On the defensive side, the Browns boast a formidable lineup with players like Jared VerseDerek Barnett and Julian Okwara leading the charge. The secondary includes cornerbacks Tyson Campbell and Denzel Ward as well as safeties Grant Delpit and Ronnie Hickman.
What’s next for the Browns?
With the initial 53-man roster set, the Browns can still make additional moves in the coming days and weeks. The team will look to construct a 16-man practice squad which will serve as an additional layer of depth in case of injuries on the active roster.
Players who did not make the roster, including Floriea, will await their next chapter. Some may be signed back to the practice squad, while others could be claimed via waivers by other teams or sign as free agents in new cities.
As the Browns prepare for their season opener against the Jaguars, the core of the team is set, and the 2026 squad has taken shape. The final roster reflects a blend of experience and youth, with key veterans anchoring the units and promising rookies ready to make an impact.
