Earlier Tuesday, reports surfaced that the Cleveland Browns were waiving cornerback Michael Coats Jr., an undrafted rookie who earned a spot on the 53-man roster with a strong training camp. Now, information about why the Browns moved on from him so quickly has come to light.
With a need for some experienced depth at the position, the Browns look to be replacing Coats with someone who has starting experience in the NFL. It is likely a wise move, even if it does end Coats’ inspiring ascension, at least for now.
According to ESPN insider Daniel Oyefusi, the Browns are signing former Miami Dolphins first-round pick Noah Igbinoghene, who has played 69 NFL games with three teams.
Tom Pelissero first reported. The 26-year-old was a first-round pick of the Dolphins in the 2020 draft. Struggled in Miami and Brian Flores’ man-heavy scheme but has spent time in Dallas and Washington the past couple years. Veteran corner with 17 starts and ST experience,” Oyefusi posted.
The Browns are signing CB Noah Igbinoghene to their 53-man roster, as @TomPelissero first reported.
The 26-year-old was a first-round pick of the Dolphins in the 2020 draft. Struggled in Miami and Brian Flores’ man-heavy scheme but has spent time in Dallas and Washington the…
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 1, 2026
The No. 30 overall pick by Miami in the 2020 NFL Draft, Igbinoghene played just 32 games over three seasons with the Dolphins as an often inactive player. He was traded to the Dallas Cowboys at the 2023 roster deadline and was used in just five games that season.
He did find more playing time after joining the Washington Commanders as a free agent in 2024, reuniting with former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. He played 32 games with 10 starts, with a career-high 55 combined tackles in 17 games in 2024.
This offseason, he signed with the Seattle Seahawks as a free agent after passing on an opportunity to do so last year before they won the Super Bowl. He was let go by the team on cutdown day.
During his career, Igbinoghene has 119 combined tackles, 1.0 sack, two fumble recoveries, 17 passes defended, and one interception. He would provide a veteran option that was lacking for the Browns if starters Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell were injured during the season.
Coats could be re-signed to the practice squad, with a chance that he could be claimed by another team after his breakout performance this summer. The Browns have already brought back cornerbacks Myles Bryant and D’Angelo Ross.
Cleveland has been very active in the past couple of days, and fans can expect a few more moves as the week goes along.
NEXT: Browns Plan To Sign Former Cowboys Defender
