The Cleveland Browns move forward after the NFL trade deadline with a roster that is really lacking in specific areas on the offensive side of the ball. The team could be in contention soon if it can address
three key areas. With the deadline come and gone, the Browns will continue to make roster moves, including a linebacker to the practice squad this week, but none are likely to be major.
Cleveland has two roster spots available at this time, heading into Week 10 against the New York Jets. One is likely to be filled by the activation of WR Cedric Tillman. The other could be filled from a practice squad elevation, which could lead the Browns to sign another player to that unit.
On Friday, the team brought in six defenders for workouts, including former Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns safety Tanner McCalister. In 2023, as an undrafted free agent, McCalister played in three games for the Browns. Last season, the young safety played in three games for the Denver Broncos.
The other five players in for a workout in Berea on Friday are as follows:
- DE Seth Coleman – A UDFA this year, who bounced around between a couple of practice squads
- LB Ochaun Mathis – A 6th-round pick in 2023, Mathis has played in 14 games in two seasons with three different teams, with over 100 snaps on defense and almost 300 snaps on special teams
- DB Makari Paige – A UDFA this year out of Michigan, Paige is a 6’4” safety
- DB Mark Perry – A UDFA in 2024, the TCU and Colorado prospect is also a safety
- DB Mike Smith Jr. – This Eastern Kentucky safety went undrafted in 2025
It is interesting that Cleveland brought in four safeties for this workout. If GM Andrew Berry was impressed, one of the six could be signed early next week depending on injuries and other roster needs.
