Cleveland Browns signed an undrafted free agent over the weekend that will have a chance to make the roster in September

Every year it seems the Cleveland Browns find a couple undrafted free agents to play key roles for them at some point. Cleveland has added one to its 90-man roster and he may end up making the team.

Brandon Little — Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry watches drills during the first day of rookie minicamp May 8, 2026, at Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio.

Rookie minicamp took place this past weekend for the Cleveland Browns and it was the first chance for the rookies to get on the field in Berea. 

Cleveland had 10 draft picks on the field as well as double-digit undrafted free agents. EDGE Logan Fano, brother of first-round pick LT Spencer Fano is the Browns’ most notable undrafted free agent addition. However, the team’s latest addition from the UDFA route has as good a chance to make the team as any of them.

Notable Browns’ UDFA additions

  • EDGE Tyreak Sapp (Florida)
  • EDGE Logan Fano (Utah)
  • WR Aaron Anderson (LSU) (Tryout)
  • RB T.J. Harden (UCLA)

The Browns have a clear need that their latest UDFA signing can fill 

The Browns revealed over the weekend that they’ve signed former West Virginia CB Michael Coats Jr. to a UDFA deal. Cleveland parted ways with TE Sal Cannella to make room for Coats. Coats was originally reported as an UDFA signing immediately after the draft, but the deal didn’t come to a close until recently. 

Cleveland is set with its outside cornerbacks being Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell. However, there’s likely to be competition for who is playing in the slot. It very well could end in the Browns playing multiple players at nickel, and Coats could be in the mix to be depth there at the very least. 

Coats spent 2020 through 2022 at the junior college level before transferring to Nevada in 2023. Coats spent two seasons at Nevada and his best collegiate season was in 2024 when he intercepted four passes, made 41 tackles, and broke up 13 passes. After playing 23 games for Nevada, Coats finished up his college career at West Virginia with 30 tackles and seven pass breakups. 

While Coats played outside at West Virginia, I believe he can fit in the slot as a 5-foot-10 cornerback. Being a versatile cornerback who can make an impact on special teams is the best path to making the roster for the newest members of the Browns. Coats brings 4.4 40-yard dash speed and is a plus athlete overall, the transition shouldn’t be an issue.

Cleveland could still add another slot before the season is here. Myles Harden, Myles Bryant, and Tre Avery are other cornerbacks looking to fill the slot role for Cleveland. The Browns will need a cornerback outside of Ward and Campbell to step up for this defense to reach full potential in 2026. 

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