The Cleveland Browns plan to release veteran wide receiver Cedric Tillman, a move announced Thursday as teams prepare for the league’s roster cutdown deadline.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter first shared the news on X.
“Browns are releasing veteran WR Cedric Tillman, per sources. Cleveland spent two early 2026 draft picks on wide receivers, and now Tillman is out,” Schefter wrote on X.
Tillman joined the Browns as a third-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. He was heading into the last season of his rookie contract.
Last year he finished with 21 catches for 270 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers left him fighting for a spot once training camp opened.
Cleveland used two early 2026 draft picks on wide receivers, selecting KC Concepcion in the first round and Denzel Boston in the second. The additions crowded the receiver group and put Tillman on the roster bubble.
The Athletic’s Zac Jackson had already flagged Tillman’s tenuous standing earlier in camp.
“Wide receiver Cedric Tillman seems to be on the wrong side of the roster bubble at this still-early stage, but he also was busy collecting targets and receptions earlier this week,” Jackson wrote. “On Wednesday, Tillman was not practicing due to an undisclosed injury. If he doesn’t play Saturday, look for Gage Larvadain, Luke Floriea and Malachi Corley to all potentially move up a spot in the current wide receiver rotation.”
The Browns ultimately decided to move on days before Sunday’s cutdown. It is possible the club shopped Tillman in trade talks first and found no interested parties.
Head coach Todd Monken has spoken highly of the rookie class, particularly Concepcion, and made clear the team wants the first-rounder heavily involved.
“From what we saw when we drafted him and then getting him here, I hope we’re trying to get him the ball as often as we can,” Monken said. “That dude is explosive. He’s tough. He’s got great contact balance. He understands situational football. We’ve got to find a number of ways to get him the ball. He’s going to be a real weapon for us.”
Those comments underscored why Tillman became expendable. The two young receivers have impressed throughout camp and are expected to play significant roles once the regular season begins.
Cleveland’s receiver room now looks younger and deeper after the draft investment. Veterans who cannot separate themselves risk being squeezed out, which is what happened here.
Tillman will become a free agent once the release is processed and can sign with another team. Several clubs still need depth at the position after their own cuts.
The Browns open the 2026 season on Sept. 13 at Jacksonville. They will continue trimming the roster between now and the deadline.
The decision closes Tillman’s chapter in Cleveland after three seasons. He arrived as a mid-round prospect and leaves after contributing in a limited role.Roster cutdown day remains Sunday, when all 32 teams must reach 53 players.
Additional moves are expected across the league before then.
