Cedric Tillman (Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns have released wide receiver Cedric Tillman, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, as the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline closes in. Cleveland spent the 2026 draft capital loading up at receiver, bringing in rookies KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston while keeping Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond locked in. Cleveland selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 74th overall, with the expectation that the former Tennessee standout would develop into a reliable option. Over 38 games and three seasons, he caught 71 passes for 833 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, he contributed 21 receptions for 270 yards and two scores across 13 games. Kansas City’s wide receiver situation heading into the 2026 season is best described as uncertain. Tillman is in the final year of his rookie deal carrying a cap hit of roughly $3.9 million, according to Spotrac. Being cut before Week 1 does not end careers. Tillman is 24, has legitimate size and length, and has shown he can win against NFL-caliber defenders in the right matchups.
A late-round pick swap or a simple waiver claim if released outright would be enough to bring him aboard.
That is a lot of “what ifs” for a franchise that counts on its passing game to carry playoff runs. The move was not entirely shocking. That left little room for Tillman, who never quite seized his moment in three seasons with the Browns. Now free, he enters the market at an interesting time, and Kansas City may be paying close attention. Tillman’s release traces back to a simple numbers problem. Serviceable production. But not enough to hold off a younger, more hyped crop of pass catchers. Rashee Rice’s bounce-back is not guaranteed. Xavier Worthy’s health is a question. The cost would not be steep. It redirects them. The question has always been whether Cleveland was the right situation for him to show it.
Tyquan Thornton showed flashes last year but has yet to prove consistency.