Browns made a needed waiver claim that just pushed another player off of the 53-man roster in Cleveland
The Browns made one waiver claim following cutdowns around the NFL. Cleveland added to their defensive depth at a position of need, as a result someone else will need to come off of the 53 man roster.
The Cleveland Browns spent the weekend shaping their initial 53-man roster, and the process came with tough decisions on players the organization had to part ways with. Beyond the cuts, Cleveland also had to identify outside additions to fill gaps that emerged during the roster trimming process.
One area of need was clear throughout training camp: cornerback depth. The Browns could find themselves in a difficult spot if either Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell went down with an injury. Cleveland took a step in the right direction last week by claiming Mekhi Blackmon from the Indianapolis Colts, adding an outside cornerback with the capability to step in and play if needed.
Browns add another cornerback following roster cutdowns
According to the wire, Cleveland made just one waiver claim. The Browns picked up former Buffalo Bills seventh-round draft pick Toriano Pride Jr., a rookie cornerback out of Missouri. Pride was selected in the seventh round back in April and stands at 5-foot-10, 185 pounds. He spent two seasons at Clemson before finishing his college career with the Tigers.
In what looks to be a corresponding move, the Browns have parted ways with EDGE Julian Okwara to make room for Pride.
During his 2025 season, Pride led Missouri with two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. He also recorded 24 tackles and four pass breakups across 12 starts.
At 5-foot-10, Pride is likely going to slot in as an interior cornerback for the Browns, and he could challenge Myles Harden for snaps in the slot right out of the gates. Pride is a cornerback who loves to play press man coverage. He’s physical, feisty, and brings the kind of cornerback energy you want to see from a young player trying to earn his way onto the field.
The athleticism is there, too. Pride ran a 4.32 40-yard dash and posted a 37.5-inch vertical. Those numbers back up the aggressive, physical style he plays with on tape.
This looks like an underrated but needed pickup for Cleveland at a position of concern the front office was always going to address. Cornerback depth has been an issue for the Browns throughout training camp, and Pride is going to be a piece in helping them solve those problems heading into the regular season.
