Keep in mind that the Browns are in the second position on the waiver wire, so further roster refinements are likely, but these are the moves for the time being.
The biggest name to leave was kicker Dustin Hopkins, who kicked for the team for two divergent seasons.
Hopkins was excellent for the Browns in 2023, hitting 33 of 36 attempts and going 8 of 8 from 50 yards or more, but was atrocious in 2024, missing 9 of his 27 field goal tries and missing 3 extra points.
Hopkins was given a three-year contract following the 2023 season, so he'll cost a little to go away, but when he missed two preseason extra points, the writing was on the wall for the veteran.
As the kicker for now (and this can always change) is Andre Szmyt, who kicked for the UFL's St.Louis Battlehawks last season, and while I wouldn't be surprised to see the Browns look at a veteran kicker, UFL booters have had success (Detroit's Jake Bates) last season, and the Browns could decide to go with Szmyt.
Cleveland also made a trade, sending a seventh-round draft pick in 2028 to the Los Angeles Rams for tackle KT Leveston.
Leveston was the Rams' seventh-rounder in 2024 from Kansas State, but missed the entire season with an injury to his ankle.
I was surprised to see the Browns release running back Pierre Strong, which leaves the team with only two backs on the roster (Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson). I expect the Browns to add a running back from the released players tomorrow.
Comebacking wide receiver Diontae Johnson may have reached the end of the line with his release, as undrafted rookie Gage Larvadain beat Johnson out for the final spot at wide receiver.
Larvadain impressed the Browns in camp, and when the Browns signed Isaiah Bond late in the preseason, the battle became Larvadain against Johnson for one spot rather than two..
The Browns also released two veterans from the defensive line, with Sam Kamara and offseason addition Julian Okwara.
Kamara was beaten out by undrafted free agent Adin Huntington, while Okwara suffered a preseason rib injury, damaging his chances of making the roster.
There will likely be more changes tomorrow after the waiver claims are processed.
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