NFL

Cleveland Browns part ways with wide receiver Cedric Tillman

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Aug 27, 2026, 21:18 IST

The Cleveland Browns are releasing wide receiver Cedric Tillman ahead of the NFL roster deadline. The move follows the team's recent investment in rookie wideouts during the 2026 draft.

Cleveland Browns part ways with wide receiver Cedric Tillman

The Cleveland Browns have opted to release veteran wide receiver Cedric Tillman, a move confirmed by reports on Thursday. The decision comes as the franchise prepares to finalize its 53-man roster ahead of the upcoming Sunday deadline, signaling a shift in the team's offensive personnel strategy.

Tillman, 26, had recently returned to the practice field following an undisclosed injury that kept him sidelined for several weeks. Having not participated in any preseason action, the wideout now faces the waiver process as the organization looks to solidify its receiving corps for the 2026 season.

Strategic shift in Cleveland's receiving room

The release of the former Tennessee standout follows a significant investment in young talent during the 2026 NFL draft. Cleveland utilized its first- and second-round selections to bring in wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, respectively. Both rookies have already been elevated to starting roles on the team's unofficial depth chart, joining Jerry Jeudy as the primary options in the passing attack.

These roster developments effectively pushed Tillman further down the depth chart. The receiver was entering the final year of his rookie contract, with a scheduled salary of $3.6 million for the 2026 campaign. His departure marks the end of his tenure with the club that originally selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

Reflecting on Tillman's tenure

During his time in Cleveland, Tillman appeared in 38 games, making 19 starts. Over his three-season career, he recorded 71 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns. His most productive stretch came during the 2024 season, where he tallied 21 catches for 270 yards and two scores across 13 appearances, including 10 starts.

As the Browns move forward with their revamped receiving unit, Tillman will now be subject to the league's waiver system, allowing other franchises the opportunity to add him to their rosters before the final squad cut-down date.