Fans of the Cleveland Browns were watching the NFL roster deadline very closely, hoping that one of their favorites was going to make the cut. Unfortunately, hometown hero Luke Floriea was left on the outside looking in, as the Browns decided to keep Malachi Corley as their sixth wide receiver instead.
Floriea, an Ohio native who played at Kent State, was in his second go-around with the Browns as an undrafted free agent. He made a strong impression this preseason, catching three touchdown passes in the final two games.
However, Floriea is not a contributor on special teams, which is an important role for players on the back end of the roster. Corley could be the Browns’ kickoff returner, and he made a tackle in coverage against the New England Patriots.
With that in mind, Cleveland.com insider Dan Labbe broke down the Browns’ tough decision on Floriea, saying he does not quite fit the role of a backup wideout.
“Luke Floriea’s role in the preseason just doesn’t exist in the regular season, not for the sixth receiver. You’ve got to be able to be effective in the return game. That’s something that Malachi Corley can do, and Kole Wilson, and some of these other guys. Now, Luke will probably be back on the practice squad, but that was unfortunately the tough decision the Browns had to make. And your sixth receiver just isn’t going to get offensive snaps. That’s just how it is. And so, they had to use that spot in a different way,” Labbe said.
Floriea was an inspiring underdog story to be sure, but at 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, his usefulness to an NFL team is limited. It is also worth mentioning that a lot of his production this preseason was late in games against other players who were not likely to make their team’s roster, either.
As of Monday afternoon, Floriea had not signed with the Browns’ practice squad. Cleveland added former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Bub Means, and also signed Wilson to the practice squad, so Floriea may intend to test the market before potentially returning to Cleveland.
Wide receiver Gage Lavardain finds himself in a similar situation, having failed to make the 53-man roster and not yet returning to the practice squad. Lavardain led the Browns with 11 receptions this preseason and became one of Shedeur Sanders’ favorite targets during the course of training camp.
It is always difficult to see a player like Floriea have his dream go unfulfilled, but it is not over for good, as another opportunity may arise for him in the coming days.
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