One of the highlights of NFL training camp and preseason is the underdog player who makes an impression and gives himself a chance to realize his dream. It becomes an even bigger story if he is a local kid trying to make his hometown team.
That is the situation the Cleveland Browns have with wide receiver Luke Floriea as cutdown day approaches. An Ohio native who played at Kent State, Floriea had an excellent preseason, with three touchdown catches in the final two games.
After spending last season on the Browns’ practice squad, Floriea has a long-shot chance to make the 53-man roster this year. It will come down to how many wide receivers Cleveland is able to fit, with even bigger concerns at other positions, including quarterback.
With the deadline looming, analyst Aaron Goldhammer shared two scenarios for Floriea’s future, saying he will either be on another team or on the Browns’ practice squad.
“Is Luke Floriea part of the Browns’ future plans or is he an immediate cut when we get to Sunday night? I would guess one of these two things will happen: Either he will get cut and someone else will pick him up, or he’ll be back here but on the practice squad, and then as an injury or two happens, he might get a chance to play,” Goldhammer said.
What are Luke Floreia's chances of making the Browns 53-man roster? Do you think he SHOULD make it? pic.twitter.com/dURmFdX3JD
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) August 28, 2026
For every Wayne Chrebet and Victor Cruz who long ago made their hometown team via this route, hundreds of similar players never get a chance to have an NFL career. Floriea deserves credit for playing well enough to give himself this realistic opportunity, even if it is on one of the worst teams in the league.
The Browns are expected to carry wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, Tylan Wallace, and rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Malachi Corley also has a good chance of being included thanks to his ability as a kick returner.
Based on other decisions the Browns will make at quarterback, on the defensive line and in the secondary, there may not be any room for Floriea or fellow wide receiver Gage Larvadain. At 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, Floriea may not draw much interest around the league, either.
So, returning to the Browns’ practice squad may be the best route for him, as he could get a late-season chance to play once the team falls out of playoff contention.
NEXT: Browns Announce First Wave Of Roster Cuts
