A lot has happened since the Cleveland Browns fired their head coach after the past two seasons created 26 total losses. Lots of new players, an almost new coaching staff, trading away the face of the franchise, not rehiring their defensive guru, and a new free agent and draft class.
This year’s training camp is right around the corner. A full roster of 90 players is under contract as next year’s athletes are busy trying to get in their final vacation time after mandatory minicamp.
RELATED: FORMER
BROWNS IN THE UFL PLAYOFFS
GM Andrew Berry has had a very busy offseason and is still tweaking the roster as he sees fit each week.
It just so happens that an entire league is about to complete its season with eight teams’ worth of available players. The United Football League (UFL) is down to its championship game, the “United Bowl,” this Saturday, June 13, at 3:00 pm (Eastern), played at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
The Louisville Kings will square off against the league’s defending champions, the DC Defenders, and will be broadcast on ABC. The halftime performance will be by Grammy Award-winning music icon 50 Cent.
UFL players participate in the league under one-year deals. On the Monday after the season has concluded, each athlete is available to be signed. The season is positioned to conclude in the middle of June so that players can be signed to NFL teams before their training camps begin in late July. This allows every UFL player the opportunity to advance their playing careers since the UFL is a developmental league and not an NFL rival entity.
Last year, 190 players were offered tryouts, and 160 signed training camp contracts. Of that number, 45 UFL players were either listed on an NFL team’s main roster, practice squad, or some sort of injury list.
Despite a full roster of 90 players signed to the current Browns’ roster, there are needs to be filled. The UFL has numerous healthy players who could help this team and provide some quality depth needed at crucial positions.
LT Richard Gouraige – St. Louis Battlehawks
6’-5”, 306 pounds
Age: 27
Pro experience: Buffalo Bills (NFL) – 1 game played with 0 starts, 2 years on practice squad; UFL St. Louis Battlehawks – 11 games played with 11 starts
This signing would strictly be for quality depth along the offensive line. The Browns realistically are thin at backup right and left guard.
Gouraige is a solid blocker who has versatility in that he has played left guard and both offensive tackle spots while at Florida. He was a four-star recruit coming out of high school and started in his sophomore year, then went on to start every game for three seasons. Right now, the Browns have Zion Johnson as the starter at LG with Kendrick Green as his backup.
His frame more resembles a basketball player, not so beefy and wide, but long. He is quick-footed with smooth movement skills. He has high-end physical traits but is a work in progress. He has had the time to develop and could provide Cleveland with the much-needed backup role, a boost. He flashed power and is an excellent run blocker.
His hand placement is a bit weak, and he labors out of his stance and into skip pulls. At times, he will struggle to open his hips and recover around the top of the rush. But he is agile and has a constant motor.
EDGE Cam Gill – Louisville Kings
6’-3”, 240 pounds
Age: 28
Pro experience: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL): 40 games played with 0 starts; Carolina Panthers (NFL) – 10 games played with 0 starts; Louisville Kings (UFL) – 11 games played with 11 starts
The Browns appear good at defensive tackle, but what about the left defensive end spot? The right side will be manned by newbie Jared Verse, taking over Myles Garrett’s spot, but the bookend pass-rushing position seems to be lacking some burst.
That is Gill to a T. He led the UFL in sacks with 10 during the regular season and made the 2026 All-UFL Team. 39 total tackles with 12 tackles for loss, which also led the league. He is one of those rare athletes who become a finalist for the league MVP title. His nickname is “The Quarterback Hunter.”
Gill has a non-stop motor. He has solid burst and leverage when attacking the offensive backfield. He is a bit light, but that is where his speed off the edge originates. He notably recorded a half-sack and forced fumble on Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LV.
Yes, he does struggle a bit with really large offensive tackles, so he uses his speed and that quick first step to get halfway around his offensive counterpart. He could project to be a depth piece that would compete for a starting job or at least part of the defensive line rotation. Some NFL team is going to sign him once the UFL season has concluded; it might as well be Cleveland.
S/CB Major Burns – Houston Gamblers
6’-2”, 209 pounds
Age: 24
Pro experience: Chicago Bears (NFL) – 0 games played with 0 starts; Houston Gamblers (UFL) – 11 games played with 11 starts
Several things stand out about Burns. For one, he made the 2026 All-UFL Team. Secondly, he tied for the lead in interceptions with four. Third, he had the most total tackles of any cornerback in the league. This means he isn’t afraid to stick his head in to help the run defense game. And lastly, he tied the league lead in batted passes with 12.
Burns was a standout cornerback while at LSU, but had several injuries that set him back. He went undrafted and ended up in training camp with the Bears, where he ended up on IR and reached an injury settlement. So, there’s the fact that he has had some injury issues. But none of that existed this season in the UFL, and Burns became a standout defender.
He had 45 total tackles, 4 picks, 12 batted passes, and 5 tackles for loss. Burns has played both safety and corner in college, which gives him versatility. He has the prototypical size needed to play cornerback, runs a 4.51 with a vertical jump of 37 ½”, and is a downhill closer. Strong hitter and understands the pass high-point.
The Browns really need that third cornerback once they decided not to re-sign M.J. Emerson. With Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell on the outside cornerback spots, they have Myles Harden playing the slot. Burns can cover in man and give Cleveland a third cover corner who can support the run.
Which of the 3 do you think the Browns should sign to their 90-man roster?
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