RSS Browns Team Notes

[Cleveland Browns]

Mentor native, UDFA WR shares his thoughts on one of Cleveland’s quarterbacks

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

Undrafted WR Luke Floriea revealed his first impressions and current thoughts on QB Shedeur Sanders.

The Cleveland Browns are about 10 days away from the beginning of this year’s training camp, and one of the team’s top UDFA performers, Luke Floriea, recently appeared on an episode of “Honor the Land” and spoke about Shedeur Sanders.

The Mentor High School product has appeared in multiple videos throughout the summer, catching touchdown passes and making big plays for the Browns’ 2nd and 3rd-team offensive units.

Max Loeb and “Chef Zae”, the show's hosts, asked Floriea about Shedeur Sanders and his energy level:

“He likes to have fun out there, that’s the best I can describe it. He comes on the field, he’s going up to the receivers, and like, thinking of celebrations to do when we score, crazy celebrations. That’s awesome, it lightens up the mood.”

What’s a huddle with Shedeur Sanders like?#Browns WR Luke Floriea says he likes to keep it loose

Full episode with @luke_floriea2 out TONIGHT at 8PM ET! pic.twitter.com/e4e9v94KS8

— Honor The Land (@honortheland) July 10, 2025​

“Especially the first couple days of minicamp, and everyone’s tight, everyone’s stiff. Everyone’s like, ‘I can’t make a mistake, I can’t make a mistake’” Floriea said. “And (Shedeur) is coming up to you asking, you think he has an important question for you. He’s like, hey, what celebration do you want to do? ... Definitely loosens you up and makes you play a little freer.”

Later in the show, Floriea revealed some other things that Shedeur says in the huddle:

"If it's Man, I'm throwing it to you."

- Shedeur Sanders to #Browns WR @luke_floriea2 before his viral Rookie Minicamp TD

Presented by @infinitiofBW https://t.co/ASf1p0NTFP pic.twitter.com/81vmqaXlZw

— Honor The Land (@honortheland) July 12, 2025​

It’s clear that Shedeur Sanders has an excellent head on his shoulders, seeing that whoever talks about him has nothing but fun and interesting things to say about the 5th-round quarterback.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...nds-quarterbacks-shedeur-sanders-luke-floriea

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns vs. Dolphins: 5 memorable games

Set Number: X32538 TK1

The series between Cleveland and Miami has been even - but oh those playoff games! Here are 5 memorable games between the two teams.

The Cleveland Browns will host the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 of the 2025 NFL season.

The two teams first met in 1970 as members of the newly formed American Football Conference, with the Browns picking up a shutout victory.

Related: Browns 2025 Schedule Primer: Week 7, Miami Dolphins

But while the series has been pretty even, the Dolphins hold a 13-9 lead all-time, and two of those wins came in the playoffs in frustrating fashion. That has been a theme through the years when these two teams meet, with the Browns often coming out on the wrong end of the scoreboard.

This is going to be a tough one, so buckle up as we look at five of the most memorable games between the Browns and Dolphins.

December 24, 1972: Dolphins 20, Browns 14​

The Browns earned the AFC Wild Card bid with a 10-4 record, and their reward was a date at the Orange Bowl to face the undefeated Miami Dolphins.

The game could not have started much worse for the Browns as Mike Phipps’ first pass of the day was an interception. While the Dolphins were not able to capitalize on that mistake, they did later in the first quarter when Charlie Babb returned a blocked punt five yards for a touchdown. The Dolphins tacked on a field goal from Garo Yepremian to take a 10-0 lead at halftime.

Cleveland fought back in the second half as Phipps first ran for a touchdown. Then, after Miami’s Dick Anderson fumbled the ball away on an interception return, Phipps converted that mistake into points by hitting Fair Hooker with a 27-yard touchdown pass to put the Browns up by one point with a little more than eight minutes remaining.

The Dolphins methodically marched 80 yards down the field to reclaim the lead after an eight-yard touchdown run from Jim Kiick, but with four minutes remaining, there was still time for the Browns to pull off the upset. But their final chance expired at Miami’s 34-yard line when Phipps threw his fifth interception of the game.

It was a frustrating end to the season for the Browns, who would not return to the playoffs for eight years, but not the last time they would face the Dolphins in the playoffs.

January 4, 1986: Dolphins 24, Browns 21​

Cleveland fought its way to the playoffs as champions of the AFC Central Division and earned a rematch with the Dolphins at the Orange Bowl.

After the Dolphins opened the scoring on a 51-yard field goal by Fuad Reveiz, the Browns rolled off three consecutive touchdowns, the final one being a 66-yard rush by Earnest Byner for his second rushing touchdown of the game, to take a 21-3 lead early in the third quarter.

The defense started to break, however, and the Dolphins put up a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter to pull within four points as the teams headed into the fourth quarter. The Browns tried to control the ball on offense, but saw a drive stall at midfield with about eight minutes remaining. Cleveland punted the ball away, and the Dolphins took the lead after a one-yard touchdown run by Ron Davenport just after the two-minute warning.

Cleveland quarterback Bernie Kosar was unable to move the Browns into field-goal position, and the season came to an end when the clock expired with the Browns at midfield. The loss wasted Byner’s big day with 161 rushing yards, part of a team playoff record 251 rushing yards, as the Browns came up short of an upset for the second time in as many tries against the Dolphins.

December 12, 1988: Dolphins 38, Browns 31​

Cleveland was fighting for a playoff berth when they headed to Miami for a Monday night game against the Dolphins.

Behind four touchdown passes from Dan Marino, the Dolphins built a 31-17 lead in the fourth quarter. And the situation appeared even dimmer when Bernie Kosar was knocked out of the game with a knee injury. Quarterback Don Strock came off the bench to face his old team and led a pair of scoring drives, with both ending with touchdown passes to Reggie Langhorne to tie the game at 31 with about one minute left on the clock.

That was too much time, however, as Marino hit former Cleveland wide receiver Fred Banks with a 46-yard pass to set up Lorenzo Hampton’s one-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds remaining to send the Browns home on the wrong end of the scoreboard.

September 14, 1992: Dolphins 27, Browns 23​

Four years later, the Browns and Dolphins met again on Monday Night Football, but this time it was in front of more than 74,000 fans in Cleveland.

The game followed a familiar script as the Dolphins jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter and pushed it to 17-3 at the end of the third quarter. Cleveland’s offense finally came alive in the final quarter, first with a six-yard touchdown reception by Michael Jackson, then a 32-yard fumble return for a touchdown by David Brandon. When Bernie Kosar hit Mark Bavaro with a three-yard touchdown pass, the Browns were ahead, 23-20, with a little more than a minute remaining.

Marino did his thing once again, however, and drove the Dolphins 85 yards with Mark Higgs scoring a one-yard touchdown to once again deny the Browns a comeback victory. Making things worse, Kosar suffered a broken ankle during the game, which would sideline him for eight weeks and kill any hope the Browns had for a playoff run just two weeks into the season.

Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

December 5, 2010: Cleveland 13, Miami 10​

An ugly game in an ugly season saw the Browns pick up their third consecutive win against the Dolphins.

Cleveland took a 10-3 lead in the third quarter when Jake Delhomme hit Ben Watson with a three-yard touchdown pass to culminate a 94-yard scoring drive. Miami answered back on its next offensive drive as Chad Henne hit Anthony Fasano with an 11-yard touchdown pass to tie the score at 10 early in the fourth quarter.

From there, the teams traded punts until Mike Adams intercepted a Henne pass and returned it 25 yards to Miami’s two-yard line with one minute left in the game. Delhomme knelt on three consecutive plays, and Phil Dawson took it from there to convert a 23-yard field goal to give the Browns the win.

The game would be the last one the Browns would win that season as they closed out the year with four consecutive losses and, following a season-ending loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach Eric Mangini’s time in Cleveland thankfully came to a close.

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What is your most memorable game between the Browns and Dolphins? Have your say in the comments.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/7/13/24464560/cleveland-browns-miami-dolphins-5-memorable-games

 

[Cleveland Browns]

If the Browns get a 3rd helmet, what do you want it to look like?

Photo by Diamond Images/Getty Images

The white helmet was a hit, does that mean a brown helmet is next for the Browns?

The Cleveland Browns haven’t always leaned into the color brown, given that the team was named after Paul Brown (despite the legendary coach making up a story about how the name came to be). The reality is that the color orange has always been the primary color associated with the team, which followed Brown down to Cincinnati, with the team still owned by his family.

Over the years, the “Oreo stripe” down the middle of the orange helmet and the helmet itself became the symbol of the team. The original helmet, which was brought back as part of the 75th anniversary, did not have the brown portions of the stripe.

Two seasons ago, the team unveiled their all white helmets, and now, reportedly, another option is in the works and could be revealed soon. According to The Dawgs Podcast, the new helmet (which will technically be the team’s third as the 75th anniversary one is back on the shelf) will be revealed this week:

As pictured, most expect that the new helmet will be primarily brown in color, which will likely lead to a lot of strong opinions.

Here is a look at a shinier version (although on Elijah Moore, who is not with the team anymore):

What do you hope the browns alternate reveal will look like? #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/XARs0wmZwV

— The Graphic God (@TheGraphicGod_) July 9, 2025​

In a lot of ways, it seems like what jersey and pants are paired with the helmet will make a huge impact on how it looks. An all-brown ensemble would be subject to a lot of (deserved) ridicule.

What we can confirm is that a third helmet is for sure in the works, is plain (i.e., most likely without a logo on the side), but the team believes fans will like it.

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If the Browns are going to have a third helmet, on top of their traditional and white ones, how would you prefer it to look? Share your thoughts and any designs you’ve seen that you like in the comment section below

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/7/13/24467065/browns-new-helmet-design-fourth-helmet

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns fans see the wide receiver depth being a problem in 2025

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Many Browns fans think the team’s wide receiver situation will come back to bite them.

During the offseason, Cleveland Browns fans vote in SB Nation Reacts to express their confidence level in the team or their thoughts on other topics.

In Part 1 of our wide receiver preview on the Browns, we looked at how Jerry Jeudy established himself as a top receiver in the NFL, so much to the point that he was recently named to the NFL’s Top 100 list for the first time. After that, there’s not a lot of proven experience, as we also saw in Part 2 of our wide receiver preview. There is some potential experience with Diontae Johnson, but that comes a year after he was traded twice and cut by the Ravens for refusing to play in a game.

With al of that in mind, we asked Browns fans if they thought the receiver position would be an issue for the team in 2025. 63% of fans voted yes. It’s understandable because, as mentioned earlier, Jeudy is the only proven commodity. Fans are hoping that Cedric Tillman can be a breakout player, but we’re basing that off of a very small sample size of about five games last year in which he thrived. After him, we’re still not sure if David Bell, Michael Woods, or Jamari Thrash can amount to reliable contributors in the offense.

On the positive side of things, though, for what Cleveland may lack at receiver, they are above average with at tight end, as David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. should make for a dynamic pass-catching duo.

Over at FanDuel Sportsbook, you can currently bet on whether the Browns will have over/under 2.5 wins, 3.5 wins, or 5.5 wins.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...e-wide-receiver-depth-being-a-problem-in-2025

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns vs. Jets: 5 memorable games

SetNumber: X34206 TK2 R7

When Cleveland and New York play, be prepared for fireworks. Here are 5 memorable games between the two teams.

The Cleveland Browns come out of their bye week to face the New York Jets in Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season.

The Browns hold a slight 16-14 edge over the Jets in the all-time series, which includes an unforgettable win in the playoffs. (More on that in a moment.)

Related: Browns 2025 Schedule Primer: Week 10, New York Jets

As with many of the teams the Browns have played over the years, Cleveland had the edge prior to 1999, winning 10 of 16 meetings, while the Jets have won eight of the 14 meetings since then, including a stretch that saw them win five in a row.

Speaking of the number five, here are five memorable games between the Browns and the Jets.

September 21, 1970: Browns 31, Jets 21​

Any mention of the series between the Browns and the Jets has to start at the very beginning, when the two teams played at Municipal Stadium in the debut of Monday Night Football.

More than 85,000 fans were in attendance, and the Browns had the stadium rocking by jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter thanks to an eight-yard touchdown pass from Bill Nelsen to Gary Collins and a two-yard touchdown run by Bo Scott.

The Jets pulled within seven points at halftime, but Cleveland’s Homer Jones took the second-half kickoff back 94 yards for a touchdown to put the Browns back up by 14. Cleveland would extend its lead to 10 points in the third quarter after Don Cockroft converted a 27-yard field goal, setting up an exciting fourth quarter.

New York’s Joe Namath was having his way with Cleveland’s defense and pulled the Jets within three points after hitting George Sauer with a 33-yard touchdown pass. The margin was still three when the Jets took over with about a minute left in the game, but Cleveland linebacker Billy Andrews intercepted a Namath pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown to clinch the win for the Browns.

The Jets out-gained the Browns 454 to 221, but four turnovers and 13 penalties for 161 yards wiped out that advantage.

December 10, 1978: Browns 37, Jets 34 (OT)​

The Browns and Jets were back at it under much different conditions, as only 36,000-plus braved a cold day on the lakefront where the wind chill was zero. But those who were in attendance got their money’s worth!

Cleveland opened the scoring with a two-yard touchdown run by Calvin Hill, and built a 17-point lead after a third quarter that saw Don Cockroft convert his second field goal of the day and Brian Sipe score on a two-yard run.

The Jets answered back in the fourth quarter with 24 consecutive points, finally taking their first lead of the game on a one-yard touchdown run by Kevin Long with a little more than a minute remaining. That was more than enough time for Cleveland’s offense, as Sipe drove the Browns 73 yards in 63 seconds and sent the game into overtime following an 18-yard touchdown pass to Hill.

In overtime, the Browns won the toss, and it was the Greg Pruitt show from there. Pruitt, who finished with 238 combined yards, returned the kickoff 31 yards and then carried the ball on three consecutive plays to bring the Browns to New York’s five-yard line. Cockroft made the 22-yard field goal, and the Browns sent their frozen fans home with a win.

September 2, 1979: Browns 25, Jets 22 (OT)​

The teams came right back the following season in Week 1, this time at Shea Stadium, with a familiar result.

After playing to a 10-10 tie in the first half, the Browns scored twice in the third quarter, first on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Brian Sipe to Ozzie Newsome, and then on a 36-yard field goal by Don Cockroft to take a six-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Looking to put the game away, the Browns elected to go for it on a fourth down at New York’s 14-yard line but were stopped. The Jets responded with a touchdown drive, but a missed extra point by Pat Leahy kept the game tied at 19. That only lasted a short time, however, as Cleveland’s Ricky Feacher fumbled the ensuing kickoff back to the Jets, and Leahy redeemed himself by converting a 22-yard field goal to give New York a 22-19 lead just inside the two-minute warning.

Starting from his 18-yard line, Sipe drove the Browns into field goal range, and Cockroft’s 35-yard field goal sent the game into overtime.

Neither team could get anything going in overtime, and it appeared the game would end in a tie. But with 35 seconds remaining, Cleveland’s Oliver Davis intercepted a Matt Robinson pass and returned the ball to New York’s 31-yard line. Sipe hit Dave Logan with a pass to move the Browns closer, and Cockroft ended the day with a 27-yard field goal to give Cleveland the win.

January 3, 1987: Browns 23, Jets 20 (2OT)​

In a game that will forever be replayed as an NFL classic, the Browns needed two overtimes to take down the Jets and pick up their first playoff win since 1969.

The Jets had a three-point lead heading into the fourth quarter, and after intercepting Cleveland’s Bernie Kosar for the second time, Freeman McNeil ripped off a 25-yard touchdown run to put the Jets up by 10 points with 4:14 remaining. The Jets were celebrating, the Browns were left wondering what happened, and Kosar was determined to make it right.

It took a roughing the passer penalty on New York’s Mark Gastineau to finally get Cleveland’s offense going, but once it did, Kosar marched the Browns down the field, and the lead was cut to three after Kevin Mack’s one-yard touchdown run.

New York recovered the onside kick, but Cleveland’s defense forced a three-and-out, and Kosar and the offense took over with one last chance. A pass interference penalty on the Jets set up a 37-yard catch by Webster Slaughter down the left sideline, and with seven seconds remaining, Mark Moseley converted a 22-yard field goal to send the game into overtime.

Cleveland’s defense, which finished the day with nine sacks and held New York to just 287 yards of offense, dominated through the overtime periods. The game appeared to be over in the first extra period, but Moseley missed his third field goal of the day. But just two minutes into the second overtime, Moseley’s 27-yard field goal was true and the Browns won the third-longest game in NFL history. Kosar finished the day with 489 passing yards, the third-most in a playoff game in league history.

September 18, 2022: Jets 31, Browns 30​

It may have taken a while, but the Jets finally got a little bit of payback on the Browns for all those last-minute defeats.

In the home opener, the Browns broke open a close game in the fourth quarter thanks to a pair of touchdown runs from Nick Chubb, the second of which gave Cleveland a 30-17 lead with 1:55 remaining in the game.

New York’s Joe Flacco had no worries, however, as he took the Jets 75 yards in two plays, hitting Corey Davis with a 66-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to six. The Jets recovered the onside kick, and from there, Flacco led a nine-play, 53-yard scoring drive that ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson with 22 seconds remaining. Greg Zuerlein converted the extra point, and the Browns had managed to turn a victory into a shocking defeat.

Cleveland’s loss broke a streak of 2,229 consecutive games that teams had won when leading by at least 13 points with two minutes remaining. The last team to achieve that dubious feat? The Browns against the Chicago Bears in 2001, a game you may be reading about in a few days.

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What is your most memorable game between the Browns and Jets? Have your say in the comments.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/7/15/24466395/cleveland-browns-new-york-jets-5-memorable-games

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns JOK honored among top linebackers despite upcoming missed season

Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

NFL power rankings for positions includes the Browns star linebacker whose career is up in the air

The Cleveland Browns won’t have LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah for the entirety of the 2025 NFL season, with many speculating whether JOK will ever see the field again after his neck injury last season. While it is all speculation, the fact that the Browns ruled him out for the upcoming season so early in the offseason process is concerning.

Owusu-Koramoah had a breakout season in 2023, where he showed he was a unique linebacker capable of doing everything required on the football field. Last August, JOK agreed to a contract extension that would keep him in Cleveland for another three seasons beyond his rookie contract.

Continuing our coverage of ESPN’s annual survey of NFL personnel, where we found DE Myles Garrett clearly on top of edge rushers and TE David Njoku having “figured it out” at his position, we have the Browns star linebacker listed but adjusted to Honorable Mention due to his injury:

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Cleveland Browns: Earned enough votes for the No. 6 linebacker slot but has been declared out for the 2025 season because of a neck injury. “He was top three in the league before he got hurt. Such a weapon in [Jim Schwartz’s] defense. TFL machine, super impactful.” — NFL personnel director

Officially the sixth best linebacker according to votes, and potentially higher (as noted by the personnel director labeling him “top three”) if he wasn’t injured, JOK’s absence will be felt by Cleveland’s defense. The team hopes that LB Carson Schwesinger can help fill his spot in 2025.

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Are you surprised by where JOK is ranked? How big of an absence do you think he will be in 2025?

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...ok-nfl-power-rankings-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland Browns Training Camp 2025: WR Preview, Part 3 - Undrafted and Local Products

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Could a guy from Kent State turn heads early?

Our Cleveland Browns training camp preview on wide receiver continues with Part 3 below.

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9. Luke Floriea - Undrafted Rookie WR​

Height: 5-8 | Weight: 179 lbs | Age: X
Experience: Rookie | College: Kent State

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

There will be a group of fans this camp who are pulling for Luke Floriea, as he is a local kid. Born in Mentor, Ohio, he attended Kent State for college. At 5-8, 179 lbs, Cleveland signed him as an undrafted free agent following this year's draft.

As a senior at Kent State, Floriea had 44 catches for 688 yards and 7 touchdowns. Back at the end of June, DBN's Barry Shuck did a great profile on Floriea, who has shown good route running abilities.

Prime placement to @luke_floriea2⁩, the local guy out of Mentor and ⁦@KentStFootball⁩ pic.twitter.com/Bl5SHXhwLp

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 10, 2025​

It's been awhile since the Browns have had an undrafted free agent rise to a degree of stardom at wide receiver (think Taylor Gabriel). Floriea could fit the mold of a slot receiver better than some of the younger draft picks the team has made over the years, but he'll still need to do a lot to rise up the depth chart.

Final Roster Odds: 10%

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10. Jaelen Gill - Backup WR​

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 185 lbs | Age: 25
Experience: 1 year | College: Fresno State

Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images

Gill was an undrafted free agent with the Chargers last season, but the Browns signed him to their practice squad for five weeks in December. He was released after the regular season ended.

The Fresno State product was signed prior to the team's minicamp in June, and he has managed to stick around again so far.

Final Roster Odds: <5%

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11. Kisean Johnson - Undrafted Rookie WR​

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 216 lbs | Age: X
Experience: Rookie | College: Western Kentucky

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Cleveland has four undrafted free agents at receiver this offseason, the second of whom is Kisean Johnson of Western Kentucky. As a senior, he logged 75 catches for 925 yards and 7 touchdowns.

The belief is that Johnson has been one of the receivers paired up with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders this offseason, which could allow him more opportunities in the limelight when lots of eyes are on Sanders.

Shedeur Sanders ends practice with TD pass to Kisean Johnson in 7 on 7s #Dawgpound

Via: (@FredGreetham9) pic.twitter.com/0E5dmtHlRF

— STAMPEDE (@stampedeftbl) June 4, 2025​

Final Roster Odds: 5%

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12. Gage Larvadain - Undrafted Rookie WR​

Height: 5-8 | Weight: 171 lbs | Age: 22
Experience: Rookie | College: South Carolina

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Playing for South Carolina as a senior, Gage Larvadain had less opportunities on the field than his peers in camp, logging 19 catches for 223 yards and 1 touchdown. Prior to that, he was more actively involved at receiver with Miami of Ohio.

Larvadain also has a little bit of return game experience.

Shedeur Sanders completes to WR Gage Larvadain in team drills! #Dawgpound

Via: (@DanielOyefusi) pic.twitter.com/ZRne4XKGzx

— STAMPEDE (@stampedeftbl) June 4, 2025​

Final Roster Odds: <5%

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13. Cade McDonald - Undrafted Rookie WR​

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 196 lbs | Age: X
Experience: Rookie | College: Miami (Ohio)

Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Last, but not least, we have Cade McDonald from Miami of Ohio. That means he and Gage Larvadain were actually teammates in 2023 when they were at the same school. As a senior, McDonald had 52 catches for 631 yards and 3 touchdowns.

McDonald was also his team's punt returner for the past two seasons, which gives him a chance to see some reps there in camp.

#Browns Joe Flacco throws deep to Cade McDonald pic.twitter.com/B1m2e9uxa0

— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) June 4, 2025​

Final Roster Odds: <5%

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Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2025/...r-preview-part-3-undrafted-and-local-products

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns: Leaving his comfort zone helped Adin Huntington land a roster spot

Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Adin Huntington took a long and winding path to the NFL.

The journey began at Kent State, where Huntington spent three seasons, followed by a year at Louisiana-Monroe before finishing up at Tulane. His best season game in 2023 with the Warhawks when he posted 8.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.

Despite having one of the top relative athletic scores among defensive tackles, Huntington went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and ultimately signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent.

While Cleveland’s defensive tackle rotation was not exactly robust, the odds of Huntington making the final roster were long, but a key decision in the offseason helped Huntington flip the script.

Huntington met with the media on Tuesday after it was announced that he was part of the initial 53-man roster, and shared how a workout invitation from defensive end Myles Garrett helped Huntington to realize he had what it takes to play in the NFL:

“I remember in mini-camp, Myles said, ‘I’m going to be in Dallas for five weeks (and) I’m going to send the address where we will be working out. Pull up if you want to. Fear would have had me stuck at home … trying to be comfortable, but I had to get out of my comfort zone.

“I had to fly (to Dallas) on a whim, but I had the opportunity to stay with them and get fully immersed in the opportunity. I had the fear of staying the same, or I had the fear of getting better, and that was a big thing for me. I had to see where I aligned myself with guys like Myles, Micah Parsons, and Will Anderson. That gave me the mental check to (know that) I stack up.

“I went in there every morning to compete, and those three weeks allowed me to change (both) physically and mentally, and I was able to showcase that during training camp.”

It’s a great story, and it is always nice to see someone rewarded for putting in the extra work. Huntington being willing to step out of his comfort zone, rather than just being happy he was coming to training camp with the Browns, is a great start to his rookie season.

Now it is up to him to build off that good work and make the most of his opportunity when it counts this fall.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...land-browns-adin-huntington-lands-roster-spot

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Cleveland’s OL improves in multiple areas after the K.T. Leveston trade

The Cleveland Browns officially traded a 2028 7th-round draft pick for Los Angeles Rams OT/OG K.T. Leveston on roster cutdown day.

Leveston, officially entering his second NFL season after being drafted in the 7th-round by the Rams in the 2024 NFL Draft, will immediately slot into Cleveland’s backup right tackle role in 2025. He also has some positional flexibility, with quite a bit of NFL analysts believing that his best position in the NFL could be at guard.

He’s built like (6’4”, 335 lbs.) and moves like an NFL guard, but has the length and balance of an offensive tackle.

Look at the type of movement that Leveston (LT #70) got on a 340-pound NT on this WR-insert play lol #Browns #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/V2DV2eQZRb

— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) August 26, 2025

Leveston does a great job of hand-fighting in pass protection and has been able to compensate for his below-average foot speed on the edge with his ability to influence and control edge rushers with his upper body. He uses his incredibly strong and “heavy” hands to either outright control the defender or slap their hands down, often causing pass rushers to fall down or make it easier for him to run them past the quarterback.

Here’s a pretty nice example of it:

The fact that NOBODY is talking about KT Leveston (LT#70) is an absolute crime. #NFLDraft2024 #Browns
pic.twitter.com/ApxMvVia8I

— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) April 19, 2024

In Cleveland, he could be relied upon fairly early at possibly both offensive guard and tackle, with Cornelius Lucas still battling his lower-body injury, and Zak Zinter currently underwhelming as the backup right guard.

There’s even a chance that Leveston could be the top option to start at right tackle if Jack Conklin were to go down at some point in the season, due to Cornelius Lucas being generally better on the left side.

He’s already in Cleveland and practicing at the right tackle spot, and it’s easy to see that he’s a good 20-30lbs. heavier than all of the team’s other offensive linemen.

Leveston is a SOLID 335-340 lbs.

Also, interesting to see him at RT today. #Browns https://t.co/TpA3sDVgYR

— Matt Wilson (@CoachWilson66) August 26, 2025

Though Leveston was “just” a 7th-round NFL Draft pick, there’s a legitimate chance that he could single-handedly solve the Browns’ lingering depth issues along the offensive line going forward. Based on his current skillset and what he’s put on film, he’s already a top 2-3 run-blocker on the team as well.

Heading into the 2025 season, the current OL depth chart will most likely shake out like this:

LT: Dawand Jones, Cornelius Lucas

LG: Joel Bitonio, Teven Jenkins

C: Ethan Pocic, Luke Wypler

RG: Wyatt Teller, Zak Zinter

RT: Jack Conklin, K.T. Leveston

To be 100% honest, this might be the healthiest (knock on wood) and most skilled group of offensive linemen that the team’s had in a while heading into the regular season.

---

What are your thoughts on the K.T. Leveston trade? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...us-lucas-teven-jenkins-luke-wypler-zak-zinter

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Former QB on Shedeur Sanders: ‘tape is clear as day’

There is so much that goes into being a successful NFL quarterback beyond just showing up on Sundays to “ball out.”

Putting in time at practice, learning a new and often more complex offensive system, studying film to decipher defenses that are far more complicated than in college, finding your voice and developing into a leader; it all matters.

Then there are those quarterbacks who bring bad habits with them from the college game, with Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders being the latest example.

Sanders electrified college football the past two seasons at Colorado, but some of the issues he could get away with on Saturday afternoons – taking too long to make the correct read, drifting in the pocket, and not being in position to deliver the ball – are not easily solved at the NFL level.

That is going to be one of the biggest challenges for Sanders if he hopes to move from third on Cleveland’s depth chart to eventually succeed at the pro level, according to former NFL quarterback Akili Smith.

Speaking with the ESPN media platform Andscape, Smith said that while it will not be easy, Sanders needs to embrace his current situation if he hopes to succeed:

“It’s going to be hard. Very hard. Just where he’s at now, and the things he needs to work on … it’s a lot. If he stays positive and works hard, he still has a chance. But the tape is clear as day.

“I know fans don’t want to hear this, but you can’t deny what the tape is saying. If you take some time and break down the tape, and you understand what concepts they’re running, you see that Dillon Gabriel is ahead of Shedeur.

“No one who looks at the tape of those two, and understands what they’re looking at, could see it any other way. Gabriel is ahead of him, and a big thing is pocket presence. Shedeur took a sack in [the last preseason] game … it was ridiculous. You had all these people [on social media] blaming the line. He’s dropping back [too far]. He had to step up in the pocket or throw the ball away. It’s one or the other.”

Smith added that the best thing Sanders can do is put all his effort into improving every day. That will show the Browns, and by extension the other 31 teams in the league, that he is serious about his craft and keep his career on track.

The good part is, outside of one small slip earlier this summer, that is exactly what Sanders has done from the moment he arrived in Cleveland.

If Sanders keeps working and shows actual improvement, his time will come, either in Cleveland or with another team in a league that is always desperate for competent quarterback play.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleveland-browns-news/102511/shedeur-sanders-tape-is-clear-as-day

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns shake up roster with a couple of waiver claims, including a new RB

With the Cleveland Browns having the No. 2 priority spot for waiver claims, we expected there to be a few moves made after announcing their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. Sure enough, they didn’t disappoint.

On Wednesday, waiver claims were due by noon ET, and corresponding roster moves for those additions were due by 4 pm ET. The NFL announced that the Browns had placed waiver claims on two players:

• RB Raheim Sanders from the Los Angeles Chargers
• CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse from the New York Jets

“Rocket” Sanders was an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas and South Carolina who spent this offseason with the Chargers. This preseason, he had 28 carries for 101 yards (3.6 YPC) and 2 touchdowns, to go along with 5 catches for 29 yards.

With a nickname like “Rocket,” we are not surprised to see a “great” speed grade for the running back prospect:

Raheim Sanders is a RB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.82 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 35 out of 1909 RB from 1987 to 2025.

Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/dwmjVuHI2V pic.twitter.com/csmCeY4mWO

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 1, 2025

You can see Sanders in action from preseason here:

Raheim "Rocket" Sanders – every rush/target – preseason game two https://t.co/w5slerqe7G pic.twitter.com/GykmrljM3q

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 17, 2025

Bernard-Converse was a 6th-round pick by the Jets in 2023 out of Oklahoma State and LSU. According to Jets fans, he has had two standout summers in a row, but the logjam at their cornerback position prevented him from making the team.

Bernard-Converse is a very athletic player who has played in 15 games in two seasons:

Jarrick Bernard-Converse is a CB prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.77 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 52 out of 2183 CB from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/pXk2owPKZP #RAS pic.twitter.com/MgP41G3sh1

— RAS.football (@MathBomb) April 8, 2023

The Browns now have until 4 pm ET to announce which two players who made the team on Tuesday will get the bad news.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-a-couple-of-waiver-claims-including-a-new-rb

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns start to build practice squad with 9 players

The Cleveland Browns began filling out their practice squad on Wednesday afternoon.

Shortly after putting in successful waiver claims for cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse from the New York Jets and running back Raheim Sanders from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Sanders, an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas and South Carolina, had 28 carries for 101 yards (3.6 YPC) and 2 touchdowns, to go along with 5 catches for 29 yards, in the preseason with the Chargers.

Bernard-Converse was a 6th-round pick by the Jets in 2023 out of Oklahoma State and LSU. According to Jets fans, he has had two standout summers in a row, but the logjam at their cornerback position prevented him from making the team.

Berry then got back to work, with the first task to waive tight end Brendan Bates and cornerback Dom Jones to make room on the 53-man roster for Bernard-Converse and Sanders.

We have claimed CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse and RB Raheim Sanders via waivers, signed 9 to our practice squad and made other roster moves

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) August 27, 2025

The Browns then announced that nine players have been signed to the practice squad:

• Tight end Sal Cannella
• Wide receiver Kaden Davis
• Safety Christopher Edmonds
• Defensive tackle Ralph Holley
• Cornerback LaMareon James
• Defensive tackle Sam Kamara
• Running back Ahmani Marshall
• Defensive end Julian Okwara
• Running back Trayveon Williams

Teams are limited to a maximum of 16 players on the practice squad, with 10 of the spots being allocated to rookies or second-year players. The remaining spots can be used on any player, regardless of how long they have been in the league.

Keep checking back at Dawgs By Nature as we will continue to update the practice squad lists as details become available.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...veland-browns-add-nine-players-practice-squad

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Is the Browns quarterback situation in trouble……again?

The Cleveland Browns begin the 2025 NFL season at home against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7. That is less than two weeks to prepare for their first opponent.

In training camp this year, the Browns employed six quarterbacks: Deshaun Watson, Joe
Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Tyler Huntley. Flacco and Pickett own Super Bowl rings. Watson and Huntley have Pro Bowl hardware.

RELATED: BROWNS TRADE QB TO RAIDERS

Because of ongoing health and rehab situations, Watson was placed on the PUP list. Flacco was then named the season starter while Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders all had some sort of camp ailment, which limited either preseason game snaps or practice reps.

During the off-season, the plan seemed to be for Flacco to start, Pickett to become the experienced backup, which would afford both Gabriel and Sanders time to learn and develop. Pretty good strategy.

Gabriel, Sanders, and Huntley played quite a bit in the preseason, while Pickett didn’t take a snap since he was still nursing a hamstring issue. Flacco only played a couple of series in the final exhibition game against the Los Angeles Rams.

Trade: Browns are sending QB Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders, per sources.

Raiders needed another backup for Geno Smith with QB Aidan O'Connell fracturing his wrist in the preseason finale and being expected to miss 6-8 weeks. pic.twitter.com/BdoWHD5aBF

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025

Since the Rams contest, Huntley has been released. On Monday, Pickett was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a future Day 3 draft pick. That leaves the veteran Flacco and the two rookies.

A better plan? Or a decision that could cripple this Cleveland offense?

Sources: Browns are naming Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starting quarterback vs. the Cincinnati Bengals. pic.twitter.com/XND3YQ0NrC

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 18, 2025

If nothing else, Flacco is very durable. He is entering his 18th year after being selected in Round 1 of the 2008 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He has thrown for almost 46,000 yards and tossed 257 touchdowns.

His injury history: 2013 – sprained left MCL, played the following game; 2015 – tore his left ACL and MCL in Week 11, had surgery, placed on IR, missed five games, started Week 1 following season; 2017 – Back vertebral disc hernia Grade 1, missed all of August training camp, started Week 1; 2017 – minor concussion, did not miss any games; 2018 – Inguinal hip sprain, no surgery, missed seven games; 2019 – neck injury, did not miss games; 2019 – cervical spine disc hernia Grade 1, placed on IR, missed eight games.

That’s 20 total games in 17 seasons missed because of assorted ailments, which is a very short list. So, he is durable and rarely is hurt enough to not suit up and play.

However, he could become injured, right? Can’t every single player that steps onto the turf, at any minute, in any game? Even during a practice session like MJ Emerson this year?

That’s not calling jinx, that is just the facts of the game. It is violent, it is rough, it is played by guys in the prime of their athletic lives and in the best shape of their young existence. They run and work out all year long, whereas long ago, players had a second job in the off-season, ate what they wanted, and rarely did anything strenuous until training camp. That is why it is called a “training” camp – to train your body to get back into shape.

These guys in the NFL are fast and strong, and defensive players are headhunters. Athletes get injured every year – even non-contact injuries are an issue.

Let’s just say, for instance, Flacco becomes injured and won’t return for about 5-6 games. What is the plan? Start Gabriel? Start Sanders?

Remember two seasons ago when the Browns drafted Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) in the fifth round, and then he tore up the preseason? Everyone applauded Browns GM Andrew Berry for finding this magnificent specimen in such a late round. Cheap talent that could one day become the face of the franchise.

Then starter Watson got hurt. The starting QB in the Week 4 divisional matchup versus the Ravens wasn’t tested veteran Jacoby Brissett; it was DTR – the darling of the preseason. The result? 19 completions on 36 throws. 121 passing yards. Three interceptions. Bad throw percentage at 22.9%. Sacked four times. A 25.3 QB rating. Zero touchdowns. Eight punts. Three offensive points. One ugly offensive display.

What did the franchise learn from this one contest?

This was one of life’s lessons at the expense of losing a game that counted. Unless a guy is taken in Round 1, you don’t start rookie quarterbacks – especially Day 2 and Day 3 signal-callers.

Those are developmental guys – not Week 4 starting prospects and certainly not this season. Yes, Joe Montana and Russell Wilson were third-round picks. Bart Starr was taken in Round 17, Brian Sipe was a 13th-rounder, while everyone knows the Tom Brady story. But none of these great QBs began with sunshine and lollipops. They struggled early and looked ugly until they got game time and could get acclimated to the professional level. And all of them had that certain something that can’t be coached.

After watching both of this year’s youngsters in the preseason games, each one has talent and can play in this league – at some point. How in the world is the Browns coaching staff going to guarantee that Flacco will remain vertical for 17 games at age 40? Maybe the version that the Pro Bowl now plays (meaning flag football), but live tackle football? Really?

Woah! I thought the Browns were super happy and content with having 4 QB’s on roster

— LeatherBrainz (@leatherbrainz) August 26, 2025

Pickett may or may not have been a good quarterback, depending on who you talk to. But at least he has played in 30 NFL games with 25 starts. Both Gabriel and Sanders have played in what? Zero NFL games that counted? One thing is for certain: the Pickett trade helps Sanders tremendously. It may signify the coaches’ desire to develop him and show their belief in him as a future contributor.

Rookie quarterback development is never in a straight line. So, what is the plan now?

Last year, Cleveland started four quarterbacks. The year before they started five and tied an NFL record for the most starting signalcallers in a single season with the 1987 New England Patriots. Starting nine QBs in a two-year stretch broke an NFL record.

Could the plan be to get Huntley back? After all, he is the only QB to play in all three preseason games. He just joined the Baltimore Ravens practice squad but Clevleand could always sign him back to their main rsoter.

Maybe grab a free agent guy?

A quick glance at the available free agent quarterbacks that remain, who are not named Johnny Football (who, by the way, is available), is Jeff Driskel, C.J. Beathard, or Bryce Perkins, who was named to the UFL All-Star team and was just waived from Panthers’ camp.

Here is a prospect: Brett Rypien. He hasn’t played in an actual NFL game yet, but he has potential. But by signing him, Cleveland encounters the exact same problem: putting a green player into a live NFL game without any experience. Maybe a veteran who is on somebody’s cut list, such as Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), Hendon Hooker (Detroit), or Mike White (Buffalo).

Flacco, Watson, Gabriel, Sanders. Still got 4 lol

— Fitzy (@ZachFitz23) August 26, 2025

Watson is now running on his own. He has been working out all summer. He could possibly return in late October or November. Could Watson ultimately become the team’s seasoned veteran backup? Or supplant Flacco, who would then slide into those same exact duties?

Or, will the coaching staff just stand pat and assign Gabriel as the backup and Sanders QB3? If so, answer this: both played in limited capacity during the preseason, and neither played against anybody’s number-one defense (although the Panthers used five defensive starters for two series). They both were matched up against second and third-string guys (who are now mostly looking for a job). And yet, these two QBs can shine against any NFL club’s best defenders?

All of a sudden?

The point is, Cleveland needs a dependable veteran for their backup quarterback position.

Please tell us, as Browns fans and those who cover the franchise, that there is a second part to the Kenny Pickett trade. Please tell us that Berry has worked out another trade with another NFL team to bring in a seasoned veteran, like maybe the return of Casey Keenum, currently with the Chicago Bears. Because Huntley and Pickett were the only guys left who knew how to run an NFL club in real games.

That fifth-round draft pick for next year that Berry got for Pickett doesn’t do this 2025 team any good. It is zero help this year. Pickett was the help for this year’s roster. Besides, the majority of fifth, sixth and seventh-round draft picks Berry has used to select new guys are gone: Michael Woods, Jowon Briggs, Dawson Deaton, Demetric Felton, and Donovan Peoples-Jones.

• Editor’s note: Not sure this is what Barry had in mind:

Quarterback Bailey Zappe is signing with the #Browns, per source. Most likely practice squad.

Joins Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in the QB room.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 27, 2025

If Cleveland goes into Week 1 with Flacco as the starter, Gabriel as the backup, and Sanders as QB3, it will be a very long season with more double-digit losses.

Then you will hear Rob Schneider’s character from “The Waterboy” movie up in the stands shout, “Oh no! We suck again!”

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...-browns-quarterback-situation-in-troubleagain

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Reports: Browns offense to add 1st Rd OL, ‘YAC king’ WR to practice squad

If you wonder why we are over the top about labeling the decisions made on Tuesday as the “initial” 53-man roster so much, Wednesday was a sign of why. The future also holds many more roster decisions, but the Cleveland Browns initial 53-man roster has already seen two additions and two subtractions, while the Browns practice squad officially has nine players so far.

Cleveland may still have a quarterback issue, with rookie Dillon Gabriel installed as the primary backup, but the roster continues to get younger and more athletic.

Wednesday afternoon, reports came that the Browns will be adding former first-round pick OL Cole Strange and former third-round pick WR Malachi Corley to the practice squad:

Look for former #Patriots 1st-rd pick C/G Cole Strange to join #Browns practice squad… https://t.co/gNqHyo0Tni

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) August 27, 2025

Sources: Former #Jets WR Malachi Corley is signing with the #Browns.

I’m told Corley had multiple opportunities on the open market, and ultimately chose Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/bHXDWo8MGn

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 27, 2025

Strange was a surprise first-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL draft, with many seeing him as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 selection. Strange has played in 30 games, but just three last season, in his three years with the Patriots.

Corley was labeled the “YAC (yards after catch) King” coming out of college with a comparison to WR Deebo Samuel. The Western Kentucky star visited with the Browns prior to the 2024 NFL draft, where he was selected near the top of the third round by the New York Jets.

In nine games last season, Corley had just three receptions for 16 yards.

Both New England and New York have seen regime changes since Strange and Corley were drafted.

We will keep you up to date as news of practice squad signings continue to come in.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...ns-cole-strange-malachi-corley-practice-squad

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns QB room reportedly growing once again

The Cleveland Browns made a surprising move late Wednesday afternoon with the reported signing of quarterback Bailey Zappe to the practice squad.

The addition of Zappe brings the current number of quarterbacks in the locker room to five as he joins starter Joe Flacco, rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and the injured Deshaun Watson.

Another QB in Cleveland: The #Browns are signing Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, per source.

So the QB room now includes Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Zappe, who previously spent part of last season in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/OQKupoLKBc

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 27, 2025

Zappe spent time with the Browns in 2024 after they signed him from the practice squad of the Kansas City Chiefs following the season-ending injury to Watson.

A former fourth-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft, Zappe started eight games in two seasons for the Patriots. His biggest day came as a rookie when he went 24-of-34 for 309 yards and two touchdowns to help lead the Patriots past the Browns.

Not wishing to push their luck, the Patriots benched Zappe for the rest of that season.

With the Browns, Zappe made his only start in the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. He finished 16-of-31 for 170 yards and a touchdown pass, while also tossing a pair of interceptions, one of which turned into a career highlight for Baltimore’s 355-pound Michael Pierce.

BIG BIG MAN INT! Michael Pierce drops and coverage at 355 pounds and picks it off!

: #CLEvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/sjMZjhmPuu

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025

It will be interesting to see what the long-term plan is for Zappe, who could eventually find his way to the gameday roster to claim the veteran backup role as an insurance policy in case something happens to Flacco.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...cleveland-browns-reportedly-sign-bailey-zappe

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns Reacts Survey – Your confidence compared to earlier this offseason, and the backup QB spot

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Browns fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

With the regular season upon us, we’re ready to start up our regular Reacts questions related to your Cleveland Browns. This week, we have two questions for you to answer, and then we’ll post the results later in the week.

Our first question asks, “How confident are you in the 2025 Browns now compared to earlier in the offseason?” Your choices are “more confident now,” “about the same level of confidence,” and “less confident now.” The question is certainly up to interpretation, depending on what point of the offseason you are taking (i.e. around free agency time, the draft, or training camp). I’m trying to look at the overall picture, and my expectations earlier in the offseason were that, “Even if we aren’t drastically changed as a team, it’s impossible to be as bad as we were last year.” Therefore, my expectations were a bit heightened compared to last year, so “about the same level of confidence” is the right answer for me. I was satisfied with the attempts made to improve the defense, and Joe Flacco being brought in to try to provide stability to the offense again.

The second question asks, “If Joe Flacco went down in Week 1, who should come in relief for him?” Even though the Browns just signed Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, we’re sticking with the two options on the regular season roster: Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders. I think the obvious answer is Gabriel, based on what he showed in his two preseason games. However, it’ll be interesting to see if the poll results show that too, or if he has some hardcore supporters.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...earlier-this-offseason-and-the-backup-qb-spot

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Daily Dawg Chow 8/28: Browns news, QB Baily Zappe brought back amid a flurry of roster moves, more

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 08: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns reacts at the line of scrimmage in the first half during the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) | Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:

• Browns Reacts Survey – Your confidence compared to earlier this offseason, and the backup QB spot (Chris Pokorny) Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL.
• Browns QB room reportedly growing once again (Chris Pokorny) Cleveland reportedly bringing veteran Bailey Zappe back to town by signing him to the practice squad.
• Reports: Browns offense to add 1st Rd OL, ‘YAC king’ WR to practice squad (Jared Mueller) Rumors and reports that the Browns practice squad is adding some high NFL draft picks in Cole Strange, Malachi Corley
• Is the Browns quarterback situation in trouble……again? Our Barry Shuck strongly believes so (Barry Shuck) Following the trade of Kenny Pickett, the Browns quarterback room is lacking a veteran backup

More Cleveland Browns news:

• Waiver Pickups and Practice Squad – 08.27.25 Cleveland Browns Daily (clevelandbrowns.com) Cleveland Browns Daily show from Wednesday
• Cleveland Browns Make Yet Another QB Move (Sports Illustrated) “The Cleveland Browns have made another move at the quarterback position.”
• Shedeur Sanders makes Cleveland Browns’ roster, but has long road ahead (Andscape) “The most polarizing fifth-round draft pick in NFL history has made the Cleveland Browns’ opening roster.”
• Travis Kelce gets into the Cleveland Browns controversy to defend Shedeur Sanders and send a warning to Kevin Stefanski (Marca) “We’re just over a week away from the start of the NFL season, and the Browns’ soap opera still hasn’t ended-and it doesn’t look like it will anytime soon.”
• Browns sign former 3rd round pick & a new QB (Youtube) Quincy Carrier reacts to the latest

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/daily...ought-back-amid-a-flurry-of-roster-moves-more

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns season: Measuring Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry’s hot seat

The Cleveland Browns are going into year six with Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski at the helm. They have been involved with many iterations of this team, from the Browns’ first playoff win in 2020 against the Pittsburgh Steelers to the many controversial quarterback rooms of the last few seasons. They have continued to lead through the many ups and downs.

The biggest risk of their career to this point was the decision to bring Deshaun Watson into this organization. While we don’t know who made the final decision on this trade, we do know that it has been one of the worst choices this organization has made in the 21st century. Despite it all, Berry and Stefanski are still in Cleveland and have another opportunity to find success with this team.

It is fair to wonder whether their jobs could be on the line if this season goes poorly and how poorly it would need to go for Jimmy Haslam to decide to move on. Earlier this offseason, Jared wrote that 2025 was Year 1 for the power pair with the Browns, but is that really true?

Given the lack of star power on offense, the expectations for this team are low; however, if the Browns don’t make any improvements from last season, it could be the end for the Berry/Stefanski regime.

The decision on whether to keep them around will most likely not be based solely on the team’s record, but rather on whether there are improvements in the offense and a clear direction for how this team can reach the playoffs again in the near future.

Let me know what you think in the comments – Are Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry’s jobs on the line this season?

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/brown...season-kevin-stefanski-andrew-berrys-hot-seat

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Get to know new Browns CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse

On Tuesday, all NFL clubs had to get down to a 53-man roster. This used to be referred to as a “final roster” but is now entitled an “initial roster.” It was interesting to look at how each of those players were acquired.

The reason is that the day after the rosters are announced, the process of sifting through all of the team player cuts begins, and club GMs begin grabbing guys who were released from their former squad. So, a guy becomes safe one day, and 24 hours later, he is cut to make room for the new guy.

RELATED: BROWNS SHAKE UP ROSTER WITH A COUPLE OF WAIVER CLAIMS

Browns GM Andrew Berry signed two players off of other rosters on Wednesday: RB Raheim “Rocket” Sanders from the Los Angeles Chargers and former New York Jet CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse. Now, Cleveland has two guys named Sanders on the same squad.

Browns claimed former Jets DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse and former Chargers RB Raheim Sanders.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2025

In order to keep Bernard-Converse, Berry had to make a corresponding move. The end result was that undrafted rookie free agent CB Dom Jones was waived, which gave him a full day to enjoy being a Cleveland Brown. This makes this a one-for-one swap at the same position. Jones could return to the team on the practice squad soon.

So, who is Jarrick Bernard-Converse?

Beginnings​

Bernard-Converse (6’-1”, 205 pounds) grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. Which means his food palette includes hot sauce on everything from scrambled eggs to steak to fried gator tail served with sweet tea. He attended Evangel Christian Academy, where he played safety for the football team and excelled at track.

Evangel Christian is a perennial Louisiana powerhouse football program whose motto is “God, Family, Football.” Their football program has captured 14 state titles plus one national championship, and sent 15 players to the NFL. In all, regarding all boys and girls sports, the school has produced 81 district titles, 45 state championships, one national championship, plus sent 30 athletes to the professional levels.

Their track team alone has garnered three girls’ state championships and 10 boys’ state championship seasons. Bernard-Converse ran in the 400-meter dash (1:00:26) and the 800-meter run (2:55:37), plus the high jump. In football, he was a member of the 2016 state championship team with a 38-6 win over second-seeded Scotlandville, but lost in the state semifinals in his senior year. Bernard-Converse was named All-LHSAA District three consecutive years.

He was also a four-time selection to the Principal’s Honor List. 24/7 Sports and Rivals.com rated him as a Top-50 player in the State of Louisiana and a three-star prospect. Bernard-Converse chose Oklahoma State (OSU) as his next adventure.


OSU jumped all over him and started him in nine games in his freshman campaign. He had 59 total tackles, one batted pass, four tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. And played in all 13 games. The following season, he posted 54 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.0 tackles for loss, an interception, and five pass breakups. He was also a First Team Academic All-Big 12 honoree.

His junior year became a pandemic season. OSU did play 11 games, of which Bernard-Converse started each contest. His stats include 32 tackles, one tackle for loss, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble, and he was again named First Team Academic All-Big 12.

This meant that Bernard-Converse had two senior seasons, one at OSU, while his super senior year, he transferred to LSU. Combined, he started all 26 games with 92 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two picks, 13 batted passes, and one forced fumble. In his final year at OSU, he was named First Team All-Big 12. OSU lost to Baylor in the Big 12 Championship Game 21-16.

While at LSU, they started him at cornerback for seven games and kept him at his natural position of safety the remaining matches.

During his college career, he appeared in 64 games with 56 starts and once had a 47-game consecutive streak. Bernard-Converse graduated with a degree in pre-veterinary medicine. His X handle is @TheJBnard, while his Instagram account is @thejbnard.

The next level​

Being a track guy, Bernard-Converse ran a 4.4 in the 40 with a 42” vertical jump. The scouting report on him was that he had the speed to flip his hips and tracked the ball well. He also had playmaking ability in zone with good ball skills. The knock on him is that he struggles with changes of direction and transitions. He also doesn’t have elite recovery speed.

Jarrick Bernard-Converse should make the #Jets roster and be their primary dime CB

— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) August 22, 2025

Bernard-Converse was drafted in Round 6 by the New York Jets, who have a proven defense. He then inked a four-year $4.05 million deal, which included a $165,112 signing bonus and $165,112 guaranteed. Early in training camp, he injured his foot, which forced the team to place him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list to start the 2023 season. He returned in late October and played the final eight games mainly on special teams.

In last year’s training camp, he had an exceptional camp and was considered the leading candidate for the nickel CB position. He played in seven games and was a special teams standout that included a 92.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).

During this year’s camp, he was a standout player and one of the team’s best overall players in each of the last two preseasons. However, New York had a logjam at cornerback. In this year’s preseason games, Bernard-Converse posted a stellar 82.9 PFF overall grade. While playing cornerback, he allowed just two catches for 22 yards on seven targets, and had a team-best 40.2 passer rating when targeted.

He became a player who was in regular conversions for starting at nickel as a pure cover corner. Bernard-Converse is a versatile young defensive back who impressed this summer.

The Jets waived him, hoping that they could sneak him onto their practice squad and later bring him up to their main roster. Browns GM Berry nabbed him instead.


The thought process is that the Jets made a mistake, and now the Browns will gain the talented CB who can be utilized at both safety, linebacker, and cornerback. In 2025, Bernard-Converse will earn a base salary of $1.03 million, while carrying a cap hit of $1,030,000.

Is the signing of Bernard-Converse going to alter the course of this Browns defense this season? Of course not. But he will bring versatility and an upgrade for both the defensive backfield depth and as an ace for punt and kickoff teams.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...595/browns-cb-jarrick-bernard-converse-roster

 

[Cleveland Browns]

Browns roster: Team adds 6 players to their practice squad

The Cleveland Browns set an initial 53-man roster, made a couple of changes to that roster the next day, started their practice squad being filled, and reportedly were going to add a couple of former high draft picks and a quarterback to their practice squad.

GM Andrew Berry has a history of constantly churning the team’s roster and often takes fliers on very athletic and highly drafted players. DBN is always trying to keep up with all the moves, including the team adding six more players to their practice squad, officially, on Thursday:

• T Logan Brown
• WR Malachi Corley
• G Garrett Dellinger
• G Cole Strange
• LB Edefuan Ulofoshio
• QB Bailey Zappe

Brown was an undrafted free agent this season. Corley is entering his third season after playing nine games in two seasons. Dellinger was a seventh-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, while Strange was a first-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2022.

Ulofoshio was a fourth-round pick in 2024 and played four games with the Buffalo Bills, while Zappe was a fourth-round pick in 2022 and has played in 15 games, including a start with the Cleveland in 2024.

The team announced that the new players will wear the following numbers:

• Brown – #62
• Corley – #83
• Dellinger – #52
• Strange – #69
• Ulofoshio – #44
• Zappe – #11

The Browns have their final practice today before a mandatory three-day break before returning to prepare for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Source: https://www.dawgsbynature.com/cleve...roster-adds-6-players-to-their-practice-squad