As the NFL’s 53-man roster cutdown deadline passed on Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns made several unexpected decisions that have sparked conversation.
While General Manager Andrew Berry is likely to bring back some of the waived players via the practice squad or trades, certain moves have raised eyebrows.
One notable decision was the waiving of tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden. Despite a strong preseason performance that positioned him as a potential TE3, Cleveland opted to retain only two tight ends on their initial roster.
This is surprising given head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey’s affinity for the tight end position in their offensive schemes.
Another unexpected move involved cornerback Justin Hardee Jr., a Cleveland native known for his reliability on special teams. Many anticipated that Hardee would secure a spot over Kahlef Hailassie as the CB6, but the Browns favored Hailassie’s defensive contributions, particularly after his solid preseason, with the exception of the Vikings game.
Perhaps the most surprising decision was the team’s choice to keep four quarterbacks. This unusual allocation of roster spots suggests that the Browns are seeking a trade partner for either Jameis Winston or Tyler Huntley, with the New York Giants or Las Vegas Raiders being potential suitors.
Additionally, the termination of running back D’Onta Foreman’s contract stood out. Unlike a typical waiver, this move allows Foreman to bypass the waiver process, hinting at a possible re-signing in the near future. Reports suggest that Foreman is well-regarded within the organization, and there may already be an understanding for his return.
These roster decisions have left Browns fans with much to discuss as the team prepares for the 2024 season.
