Cleveland Browns Finalize 53-Man Roster Ahead 2025 Season

The Cleveland Browns finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, notably trading quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders, reducing their quarterback room to three with Joe Flacco named the Week 1 starter. General Manager Andrew Berry also acquired offensive tackle KT Leveston from the Los Angeles Rams and made significant roster cuts, including parting ways with veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson, signaling a tough offseason of roster decisions. The Browns currently have only two running backs on the roster, with potential changes expected via the waiver wire, and some lesser-known players like TE Brenden Bates, DE Cameron Thomas, and CB Dom Jones made the cut. This roster reduction follows the standard NFL deadline and comes after an initial wave of cuts that saw 21 players released or waived, including several recent draft picks. The team enters the final phase of roster preparation ahead of their Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, with the quarterback competition still open despite Flacco's starting role. These moves reflect the Browns' ongoing efforts to balance immediate competitiveness with future draft assets, as they hold 18 draft picks over the next two years.