Browns Rookies Push Out 2023 Draft Pick in Early Camp Cut

The Cleveland Browns made some consequential decisions in training camp this week for their passing offense.

Head coach Todd Monken named Deshaun Watson as the Browns’ starting quarterback days after Watson made harsh words about the fan base, putting to rest a battle with Shedeur Sanders that had been going on since the spring.

On Thursday, Cleveland released a 2023 third-round pick at receiver, coming days before the 90-man roster needed to be trimmed to 53 players on Sunday.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cleveland is set to release Cedric Tillman. The move comes after the Browns drafted wide receivers KC Conception in the first round and Denzel Boston in the second round.

"Browns are releasing veteran WR Cedric Tillman, per sources," Schefter posted on X. "Cleveland spent two early 2026 draft picks on wide receivers, and now Tillman is out."

Tillman played five seasons at Tennessee in college before entering the 2023 draft. He had a breakout year for the Vols in 2021, catching 64 passes for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns.

During his first three seasons in Cleveland, Tillman recorded 71 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns. He caught 21 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns last season.

Tillman missed time in 2024 due to a concussion and suffered a hamstring injury last season.

Monken has high hopes for his rookie receivers this season. Earlier in the offseason, Monken compared Conception to Baltimore Ravens receiver Zay Flowers.

"There are some traits that are similar to (Flowers)," Monken said, via NFL Media. "But I love when people spoke about KC; it reminded me of Zay in that, in terms of how he practiced, what he brings in every day. 

"And if you're looking for that comparison, that I can compare, I believe he's going to bring that like Zay did."

The decision to cut Tillman comes hours before the Browns are set to play their final preseason game of the year at home against the New England Patriots. The Browns will have a chance to look at several other receivers during the game before they trim the roster to 53 on Sunday.