Cleveland Browns have their initial 53-man roster ahead of the 2026 season with changes likely coming
The Cleveland Browns have their initial 53-man roster with cuts finalized and potential waiver claims coming.
The Cleveland Browns have parted ways with nearly 40 players to get down to 53 players for the 2026 NFL season.
Now, remember the initial 53-man roster will likely look different from the one the Browns have for their Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland is a team that makes sense to make multiple waiver claims to start next week.
Here’s what the Browns are working with for their initial 53-man roster.
Quarterback (3)
IN: Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, Taylen Green*
Running Back (4)
IN: Quinshon Judkins, Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders, Michael Burton (FB)
Wide Receiver (6)
IN: Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion*, Denzel Boston*, Isaiah Bond, Tylan Wallace, Malachi Corley
Tight End (3)
IN: Harold Fannin Jr., Carsen Ryan, Blake Whiteheart
Offensive Line (9)
IN: Spencer Fano*, Tytus Howard, Elgton Jenkins, Zion Johnson, Austin Barber*, Parker Brailsford*, Teven Jenkins, Zak Zinter, Dawand Jones
Defensive Line (9)
IN: Jared Verse, Isaiah McGuire, Derek Barnett, Adin Huntington, Maliek Collins, Mason Graham, Mike Hall Jr., Julian Okwara, Kalia Davis
Linebacker (5)
IN: Carson Schwesinger, Quincy Williams, Winston Reid, Justin Jefferson*, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold
Cornerback (6)
IN: Denzel Ward, Tyson Campbell, Myles Harden, Mekhi Blackmon, Michael Coats Jr.**, Daniel Thomas
Safety (4)
IN: Grant Delpit, Ronnie Hickman Jr., Emmanuel McNeil-Warren*, Donovan McMillon
Special Teams (3)
IN: P Corey Bojorquez, K Andre Szmyt, LS Rex Sunahara
Takeaways from Browns’ initial 53-man roster
- The Browns need cornerback depth and I think it’s a spot they’re looking to work the waiver wire for. If either Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell goes down, the Browns will be hurting. Picking up Blackmon off of waivers was a needed move, but Cleveland needs to do more. We know cornerback injuries come up a couple times a year at least, and the Browns have to be prepared.
- Before the Browns lost Alex Wright to injury and signed Derek Barnett, they were already looking for pass rush help. I’m watching the Browns for another waiver move or signing off the edge.
- Cleveland’s QB decision is figured out for four weeks at least now with Gabriel on the injured reserve. What they do when he is able to return will be interesting. But for now all four are staying in Cleveland. The Browns clearly don’t want to lose either Green or Gabriel on waivers, that much is clear.
