Browns Release WR Cedric Tillman Following 2026 Draft Additions

The Cleveland Browns have moved on from wide receiver Cedric Tillman three days before the NFL's 53-man roster deadline.

The Cleveland Browns officially waived wide receiver Cedric Tillman on Thursday, according to reporting from ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This transaction occurs exactly 72 hours prior to the Sunday deadline for NFL franchises to finalize their 53-man active rosters. Tillman, who is 26 years old, was entering the final year of his rookie deal and was slated to count $3.6 million against the salary cap for the 2026 season. Because he has not yet accrued enough service time to be a vested veteran, the wideout must now clear the league’s waiver wire before becoming a free agent.

Key details

Cleveland’s front office prioritized a youth movement at the position during the 2026 NFL Draft, which directly precipitated this roster adjustment. The organization spent the No. 24 overall pick on KC Concepcion and followed that selection by taking Denzel Boston at No. 39 in the second round. Both rookies have been elevated to starting roles on the team’s unofficial depth chart, flanking veteran Jerry Jeudy in the primary three-receiver sets. This influx of high-draft-capital talent left no viable path for Tillman to retain his spot in the rotation.

Physical setbacks further complicated the receiver's standing during the current training camp cycle. An undisclosed injury sidelined the Tennessee alumnus for several weeks of team drills, preventing him from establishing rhythm with the first-team offense. While he managed to return to the practice field earlier this week, he failed to log a single snap during the preseason exhibition schedule. The lack of live-game evaluation during the summer months made it difficult for the coaching staff to justify his roster spot over healthy contributors.

Latest developments

Tillman’s statistical output in 2025 included 21 receptions for 270 yards and two scores across 13 appearances. He earned 10 starts during that campaign, though his production fluctuated as the offense transitioned through different schemes. Over the course of his three-year tenure in Northeast Ohio, the former third-round pick participated in 38 total games, securing 19 starts. He leaves the franchise with career totals of 71 catches for 833 yards and five touchdowns, averaging roughly 11.7 yards per reception during his time in a Browns uniform.

Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Tillman was originally viewed as a physical perimeter threat capable of winning contested catches. However, the team's offensive philosophy shifted significantly following the recent draft, emphasizing the speed and route-running versatility offered by Concepcion and Boston. Daniel Oyefusi noted that the decision to cut ties now allows Tillman a window to catch on with another organization before the regular season begins. The Browns will now move forward with a revamped receiving corps as they prepare for their Week 1 matchup, focusing on the development of their two top-40 selections.