The Cleveland Browns, like the rest of the NFL, have to get their roster to 53 players before the deadline on Sunday evening. There are several key decisions they have to make, particularly among their quarterback and wide receivers.
The Browns are also facing choices on defense, on the line and in the secondary. On a team that needs depth wherever it can find it, these can prove to be very important.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Browns got an early jump on NFL cutdown day by releasing two players on Friday, parting with edge rusher Jamil Muhammad and cornerback Jeremiah McClendon.
“Browns are waving edge Jamil Muhammad, per league source. Had a nice showing in camp in his limited time. Practice squad candidate. … Cornerback Jeremiah McClendon waived by Cleveland Browns after strong showing in preseason games, per league source,” Wilson posted.
#Browns are waving edge Jamil Muhammad, per league source. Had a nice showing in camp in his limited time. Practice squas candidate https://t.co/XC9BVytrlO
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 28, 2026
The Browns signed Muhammad this month. He was signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent in 2025 and spent time on the Rams’ and Carolina Panthers’ practice squads.
His departure comes after the Browns lost defensive end Alex Wright for the season with a torn Achilles suffered in practice. Cleveland signed veteran Derek Barnett in the aftermath and is believed to still be in the market for another veteran situational pass rusher.
McClendon also signed this month, after cornerback Tyron Herring was let go with an injury designation. McClendon was originally signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in April.
The Browns are thought to be very thin in the secondary behind starting cornerbacks Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, and nickel corner Myles Harden. Undrafted free agent Michael Coats Jr. was in line to make the team based on his performance in training camp, but he was carted off the field after injuring his ankle in practice this week. Cleveland claimed cornerback Mekhi Blackmon off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday.
As Sunday approaches, the Browns must decide if they will make the rare move to keep four quarterbacks on the final 53-man roster, which could directly affect the futures of Dillon Gabriel and Taylen Green. They also have to determine how many wide receivers will make the list, with Luke Floriea in jeopardy of falling short.
It is an anxious time for players all around the NFL, and this weekend could determine the future of many of them.
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