Last updated: 2026-08-28 · Published: 2026-08-28
The Cleveland Browns released wide receiver Cedric Tillman on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The move came days before the NFL’s final roster cutdown deadline, as Cleveland reshaped its wide-receiver room around younger draft picks.
Tillman, a 2023 third-round pick out of Tennessee, had been a depth piece for the Browns in recent seasons. Cleveland drafted receivers K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the first two rounds of the 2026 draft, and both impressed during training camp, squeezing Tillman out of a roster spot.
Key facts at a glance
| Move | Cleveland released wide receiver Cedric Tillman |
| Reported | Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, per Adam Schefter of ESPN |
| Draft pedigree | 2023 third-round pick out of Tennessee |
| Career | 26 years old; appeared in 38 NFL games |
| Reason | Draft picks K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston emerged in camp |
| Context | Came ahead of the NFL’s final roster cutdown deadline |
Why Cleveland moved on
The Browns’ wide-receiver room had largely been settled by their 2026 draft class. Cleveland used a first-round pick on K.C. Concepcion and a second-round pick on Denzel Boston, and both players asserted themselves during training camp. Their emergence reduced Tillman’s role from a projected contributor to a roster borderline candidate.
Reports throughout the preseason flagged Tillman as a possible trade or release candidate. An earlier Browns Wire report noted analysts saw him as a likely departure before the season opener, and Tillman sat out of a preseason game against the Bears along with defensive back Tyson Campbell.
What happens next for Tillman
At 26 years old with 38 games of NFL experience, Tillman retains value as a depth receiver. He immediately drew interest as a waiver candidate for teams looking to strengthen their wide-receiver corps ahead of the regular season. The release makes him available to claim or sign.
Tillman’s college production at Tennessee made him a promising prospect in the 2023 draft. Injuries and inconsistent playing time limited his output with Cleveland, but his size and contested-catch ability remain a draw for clubs seeking veteran depth late in the roster-building cycle.
Video: What the footage shows
Behind The Scenes Look At Cedric Tillman’s Impressive Progression
The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show profiles Tillman’s development with the Browns, breaking down his route work, training-camp progress and how his skill set fits a reshaped receiver room. The segment frames why Cleveland’s young draft picks changed his standing with the team.
Confirmed vs. speculation
| Confirmed | Not confirmed |
|---|---|
| Cleveland released Cedric Tillman on Aug. 27, 2026 | Which team will claim or sign Tillman |
| He was a 2023 third-round pick with 38 NFL games played | The exact terms of any future deal |
| K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston emerged during camp | Whether Tillman would have made the team under a different receiver mix |
Frequently asked questions
Why did the Browns release Cedric Tillman?
Cleveland moved on after 2026 draft picks K.C. Concepcion and Denzel Boston impressed during training camp, reducing Tillman’s role on the roster.
When was Tillman released?
The Browns released Tillman on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, ahead of the NFL’s final roster cutdown deadline.
What is Tillman’s NFL background?
He was a 2023 third-round draft choice out of Tennessee and appeared in 38 NFL games with Cleveland before his release.
Can another team sign Tillman now?
Yes. As a released player, Tillman is available to be claimed or signed by another NFL club.
Did Tillman get traded instead?
No. Cleveland released Tillman outright rather than trading him, per multiple reports.
What position does Tillman play?
He is a wide receiver and has backing depth experience in the Browns offense.
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Sources
- ESPN (Adam Schefter)
- Bleacher Report
- Akron Beacon Journal
- NBC Sports
- NFL.com
- Fantasy Footballers
- Browns Wire (USA Today)
