JUST IN: Cleveland Browns 53-Man Roster Released | Full List of Browns Roster Cuts

The Cleveland Browns have officially released their 53-man roster ahead of the NFL’s mandated cutdown deadline, sparking intense debate among fans, analysts, and insiders. With dreams realized for some and heartbreak for others, the Browns’ front office faced one of the toughest decisions of the preseason: trimming the roster from 90 to 53 players. The result is a finalized squad that reflects the team’s long-term vision while also raising questions about depth, strategy, and the future of certain veterans.

The Deadline and Its Impact

Every year, NFL teams are required to reduce their preseason rosters to 53 players before the start of the regular season. For the Browns, the 2025 deadline brought more drama than usual. Cleveland entered training camp with strong competition across nearly every position group, fueled by offseason acquisitions, returning veterans, and a promising draft class. With so much talent on display, General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski were forced to make some painful cuts.

“This is always one of the most difficult days of the year,” Stefanski told reporters. “We care about these players, their work ethic, and the sacrifices they’ve made. Unfortunately, we can only carry 53.”

Key Cuts That Shocked Fans

Several moves immediately stood out as surprises. Wide receiver depth had been one of the team’s strongest areas heading into training camp, but popular veteran Marquise Goodwin was released after struggling to make an impact in the preseason. His departure opens the door for younger talents like Cedric Tillman, who emerged as a reliable target during joint practices and exhibition games.

On the defensive side, the decision to release linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk raised eyebrows. Known for his special teams contributions, Kunaszyk had been a steady presence in the locker room. Analysts suggest his release indicates confidence in rookie linebacker Nathaniel Watson, who impressed coaches with his sideline-to-sideline speed.

Perhaps the biggest surprise came at running back. With Nick Chubb still recovering from last season’s devastating knee injury, many expected veteran D’Onta Foreman to secure a backup role. Instead, Foreman was released, signaling that the Browns believe in the combination of Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. as insurance behind Chubb.

Players Who Made the Cut

While roster cuts are always difficult, the announcement also highlighted success stories. Former undrafted free agent Austin Watkins Jr. fought his way onto the roster after an impressive preseason showing. His consistency, route-running, and clutch catches earned him a spot among the final group of receivers.

Another big win came for defensive tackle Siaki Ika, a second-year player who had been battling both injuries and inconsistency. Ika showcased significant improvement in training camp, winning over the coaching staff with his run-stopping ability.

Special teams standout Cade York also survived roster trimming despite his struggles with consistency last season. The Browns are doubling down on their belief in York’s powerful leg, though fans remain divided on whether patience will pay off.

Quarterback Depth Chart Set

No surprises emerged at quarterback, as the Browns will roll with Deshaun Watson as the starter and Jameis Winston as the primary backup. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson, affectionately known as DTR, earned the third quarterback spot. His strong preseason confirmed what many scouts had seen at UCLA: a poised passer with the ability to extend plays and energize the offense.

Full Position Breakdown

Here’s how the final 53-man roster shapes up:

Quarterbacks (3): Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Running Backs (3): Nick Chubb, Jerome Ford, Pierre Strong Jr.

Wide Receivers (6): Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cedric Tillman, Austin Watkins Jr., David Bell

Tight Ends (3): David Njoku, Jordan Akins, Harrison Bryant

Offensive Line (9): Jedrick Wills Jr., Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones, James Hudson, Luke Wypler, Michael Dunn

Defensive Line (10): Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Siaki Ika, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Isaiah McGuire, Alex Wright, Maurice Hurst, Jordan Elliott

Linebackers (5): Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki, Tony Fields II, Nathaniel Watson

Cornerbacks (5): Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Martin Emerson Jr., Cameron Mitchell, AJ Green

Safeties (4): Grant Delpit, Juan Thornhill, Rodney McLeod, D’Anthony Bell

Special Teams (3): Cade York (K), Corey Bojorquez (P), Charley Hughlett (LS)

What This Means for the Season Ahead

The Browns’ roster construction highlights their emphasis on defense and versatility. Carrying 10 defensive linemen underlines the team’s belief that games are won in the trenches, while the decision to keep six wide receivers suggests a pass-heavy approach to complement Watson.

However, concerns linger. Depth at running back remains thin if Chubb is not at full strength, and the linebacker corps lacks proven depth behind the starters. Injuries could expose these weaknesses quickly.

Fan Reactions

Social media erupted moments after the roster was released. Some fans applauded the team’s faith in young talent, while others expressed frustration over losing experienced veterans.

“Cutting Foreman is insane. Chubb’s knee is still a huge question mark,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Another wrote: “Happy to see Watkins Jr. make the team. Kid has earned it every step of the way.”

Expert Analysis

NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport praised the Browns for their “bold but calculated” decisions. “They clearly prioritized long-term development over short-term comfort,” Rapoport said. “This is a young, fast, aggressive team that wants to compete in a loaded AFC North.”

Local Cleveland analyst Tony Grossi, however, warned that the lack of depth at linebacker could prove costly. “Injuries happen every season,” Grossi said. “If Owusu-Koramoah or Walker goes down, the Browns could be in serious trouble defensively.”

Looking Ahead

The Browns now turn their attention to Week 1, where they’ll face their AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The trimmed-down roster will have to prove itself immediately against one of the league’s toughest defenses.

For the players who didn’t make the cut, the journey isn’t necessarily over. Many will land on practice squads or find opportunities with other teams. For those who did make the final 53, the hard work has only just begun.

As the Browns enter the 2025 season, optimism remains high in Cleveland. The roster reflects a blend of veteran leadership and youthful potential, but the true test will come under the bright lights of the regular season.