Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman is heading into an uncertain next chapter after the team reportedly released him ahead of its final preseason game of the 2026 NFL season.
The Browns selected Tillman with the No. 74 overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. Despite entering the league with promising physical tools, the 6-foot-3 wide receiver was unable to establish himself as a consistent part of Cleveland’s offensive plans.
According to a report from ESPN on Thursday, Aug. 27, the Browns decided to move on from Tillman before the start of his fourth NFL season.
Browns Move On From Cedric Tillman
Tillman entered the 2026 season facing an increasingly difficult battle for a roster spot. Cleveland had added several younger wide receiver options, leaving the former third-round selection further down the depth chart.
The Browns’ current receiver group includes Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, among others. Concepcion was selected No. 24 overall out of Texas A&M, while Boston was taken No. 39 overall out of Washington.
With Cleveland emphasizing younger players, Tillman’s path to meaningful playing time became increasingly difficult.
The timing of his release is notable because the Browns were preparing to play their final preseason game against the New England Patriots. A strong performance could potentially have given Tillman an opportunity to attract interest from another NFL team.
Instead, Cleveland elected to release him before the game.
Cedric Tillman’s Browns Career
Tillman finishes his Browns career after three seasons in which he appeared in 38 games and made 19 starts.
During that span, he recorded 71 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns.
His best statistical season came in 2025, when Tillman played 13 games and finished with 21 receptions for 270 yards. He averaged 12.9 yards per catch and scored two touchdowns.
Those numbers were not enough to secure his place in Cleveland’s long-term plans.
Across his three seasons with the Browns, Tillman averaged approximately 23.7 receptions, 277.7 receiving yards and 1.7 touchdowns per season.
Injuries Affected Tillman’s Development
Injuries were another major factor during Tillman’s time in Cleveland.
The wide receiver missed three games as a rookie in 2023 because of a hip injury. He later missed the final six games of the 2024 regular season after suffering a concussion.
Tillman’s injury problems also extended to the 2025 season, when a hamstring issue caused him to miss four games.
He had also dealt with injuries before entering the NFL. During his final season at Tennessee in 2022, Tillman missed six games because of a high ankle sprain.
The missed time made it more difficult for him to develop consistency and build a larger role within Cleveland’s offense.
Why Did the Browns Release Cedric Tillman?
The decision appears to be connected to both roster competition and Tillman’s limited production.
Cleveland has invested heavily in its young receiver group, giving the franchise additional options for the future. Tillman, meanwhile, was entering the final season of his rookie contract and had reportedly spent much of training camp working with the third unit.
That combination made his position increasingly vulnerable.
The Browns had the option of allowing Tillman to compete for a roster spot during the final preseason game, but the organization instead decided to make the move before the contest.
For Tillman, that means his next NFL opportunity will likely have to come with another team.
What’s Next for Cedric Tillman?
Although Tillman’s Browns career did not develop as expected, his release does not necessarily mean the end of his NFL career.
The former Tennessee standout still brings an intriguing physical profile to the free-agent market. At 6-foot-3, Tillman has the size to provide a different type of target for an NFL quarterback.
His career totals also show that he has experience in an NFL offense, with 71 catches, 833 yards and five touchdowns across 38 games.
A team searching for receiver depth could view Tillman as an opportunity, particularly if it believes a change of scenery can help him rediscover the potential that made him a third-round pick.
Cedric Tillman NFL Future Remains Uncertain
Tillman’s departure from Cleveland marks a disappointing turn for a player who entered the NFL with significant expectations.
The Browns selected him in the third round in 2023 after his college career at Tennessee, but injuries, limited opportunities and increasing competition prevented him from becoming a dependable featured receiver.
Now, Tillman enters the NFL market looking for another opportunity.
His next destination could depend on several factors, including team injuries, receiver depth charts and how clubs evaluate his potential compared with younger players available on the market.
For the Browns, the move reflects the organization’s decision to prioritize its younger wide receiver options heading into the 2026 regular season.
Browns Prepare for the 2026 NFL Season
Cleveland’s roster decisions come as the team prepares for the beginning of the regular season.
The Browns are scheduled to finish their preseason against the New England Patriots before opening the 2026 regular season on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 13.
The organization is also entering the season with a major quarterback storyline. Head coach Todd Monken recently announced that Deshaun Watson will begin the season as Cleveland’s starting quarterback, with second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders falling short in the competition for the starting role.
With the regular season approaching, Cleveland is continuing to shape its roster around its preferred offensive personnel.
For Cedric Tillman, meanwhile, the focus now shifts to finding another NFL opportunity and proving that his career still has more chapters to come.
Final Takeaway
Cedric Tillman’s release by the Cleveland Browns brings an end to his three-year run with the franchise. The former No. 74 overall pick finishes his Browns tenure with 71 receptions, 833 yards and five touchdowns in 38 games.
While injuries, limited production and increased competition contributed to his departure, Tillman’s size, experience and draft pedigree could still make him an interesting option for teams looking for wide receiver depth.
His NFL future is uncertain, but the next opportunity could give Tillman a chance to restart his career and show why Cleveland selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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