CLEVELAND — After weeks of training camp practices, three preseason games and countless personnel evaluations, the Cleveland Browns have finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
As expected, Sunday's deadline brought several difficult decisions as the Browns trimmed the roster ahead of the Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While the core of the team remained intact, a handful of notable moves highlighted the challenges that come with assembling an NFL roster.
At quarterback, the Browns will carry Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and rookie Taylen Green on the active roster. Dillon Gabriel, who impressed throughout the preseason and threw three touchdown passes in the exhibition finale against New England, was placed on injured reserve with a back injury and designated to return later this season.
The running back room features rookie Quinshon Judkins alongside Dylan Sampson, Raheim Sanders and fullback Michael Burton. At wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy headlines a group that also includes first-round pick KC Concepcion, fellow rookie Denzel Boston, Isaiah Bond, Malachi Corley and veteran return specialist Tylan Wallace.
Among the more notable cuts was wide receiver Luke Floriea. The Mentor native and former Kent State standout enjoyed a strong preseason, including two touchdown receptions in Cleveland's preseason finale, but was waived as the Browns reduced the roster to the league-mandated limit.
The offensive line and defensive front remained largely as expected, with first-round pick Spencer Fano joining a veteran group anchored by Elgton Jenkins, Tytus Howard and Dawand Jones. Defensively, Cleveland retained a talented front led by Jared Verse, Mason Graham, Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr., while Denzel Ward headlines a secondary that returns much of last year's core.
As is the case every year, the initial 53-man roster is unlikely to remain unchanged for long.
The Browns can continue making roster moves through waiver claims, free-agent signings and practice squad additions before opening the regular season. Sunday's announcement represents an important milestone, but not the final chapter in constructing the roster that will take the field against Jacksonville.
For now, however, the evaluation period has come to an end.
The Browns have identified the 53 players they believe give them the best opportunity to begin the 2026 season, and the organization's full attention now turns toward preparing for meaningful football.