Cleveland Browns reportedly release wide receiver Cedric Tillman as roster reshapes

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly releasing wide receiver Cedric Tillman, according to a report by ESPN on Thursday. The move signals the end of Tillman’s tenure with the franchise after three seasons, preventing him from reaching his fourth year with the team.

Tillman was selected by Cleveland with the No. 74 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. Over his time with the Browns, the 6-foot-3 receiver averaged 23.7 receptions for 277.7 yards and 1.7 touchdowns per season. In the 2025 campaign, he recorded 21 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games.

Injury has been a defining factor in Tillman’s development. He missed three games in 2023 due to a hip injury and was sidelined for the final six games of the 2024 season following a concussion. Additionally, he missed four games in 2025 with a hamstring injury. His injury history also includes a high ankle sprain during his final season at Tennessee in 2022.

The release creates space within the Browns’ wide receiver room, which currently features Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, and recent high draft picks KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Concepcion was selected with the No. 24 pick out of Texas A&M, while Boston was taken with the No. 39 pick out of Washington.

This roster adjustment occurs as the team finalises its offensive structure. Head coach Todd Monken recently confirmed that Deshaun Watson will be the starting quarterback for the 2026 season, edging out second-year player Shedeur Sanders.

Cleveland concludes its preseason schedule with a home game against the New England Patriots on Thursday night. The team opens the 2026 regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on 13 September.