The Cleveland Browns waived cornerback Jeadyn Lukus on Wednesday, ending the former Clemson standout’s stay after just 13 days.
The move created a roster spot for defensive end Jamil Muhammad, as the team continues to search for pass-rush depth following the June trade of Myles Garrett.
Lukus, an undrafted rookie, had signed with Cleveland on Aug. 7 after a workout, days after the Tennessee Titans released him.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound cornerback appeared in the Browns’ preseason opener at Chicago, recording two tackles on 25 defensive snaps. One analysis graded the performance poorly in both coverage and run support.
The transaction is typical of late-August roster shuffling as teams evaluate 90-man training camp groups ahead of cuts to 53. Lukus was competing for a depth role in a secondary that already includes established pieces such as Denzel Ward.
Undrafted players who join mid-camp rarely stick on the active roster; many land on practice squads if they clear waivers.
Lukus arrived at Clemson as a five-star recruit and the top prospect in South Carolina. Injuries limited his production over four seasons.
He finished his college career with 61 tackles, 11 pass breakups and two interceptions across 43 games and 15 starts. His 2025 senior year was particularly quiet, with just 12 tackles in 11 games. Athletic testing at his pro day—including a 4.41-second 40-yard dash—still earned him an NFL opportunity.
The Titans signed him as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 draft, then waived him on Aug. 1. Cleveland gave him a second look almost immediately.
Official team statements listed the corresponding moves as the signing of Muhammad, a 2025 undrafted free agent out of USC who spent time on the Rams and Panthers practice squads last year. The Browns had also shown interest in veterans Jadeveon Clowney and Za’Darius Smith, both of whom signed elsewhere.
For Lukus, the next step is likely another tryout or a practice-squad opportunity if he goes unclaimed. Teams that claim him before the final roster deadline could gain an edge in adding him later. At 22, he retains the size and speed that once made him a highly touted prospect, even if consistency and durability have been questions.
Cleveland’s defensive front remains a work in progress after the Garrett departure. Adding Muhammad reflects a preference for youth and scheme versatility on the edge while the secondary picture stays relatively settled.
Training-camp transactions like this one rarely dominate headlines, but they illustrate how quickly evaluations can change once pads come on and film accumulates.
Lukus now joins the long list of late-summer cuts who must prove themselves again on another roster. Whether that happens in Cleveland on the practice squad or elsewhere will be determined in the coming days.
