The Cleveland Browns' 2024 training camp was shaken on July 25 as DE Ogbo Okoronkwo was cut and LB Jordan Hicks retired. Read about the major roster moves.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when you thought training camp was settling into a rhythm, the Cleveland Browns hit the roster blender on Friday. Day 3 at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus was anything but routine, as the team made a shocking move on the defensive line, saw a respected veteran leader hang up his cleats, and watched the injury list at wide receiver grow even longer. It was a day of sudden change that tested the team's depth and resolve before the pads have even come on.
Jordan brought a championship mindset to our locker room.
The biggest shock of the day was the termination of defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo's contract. After a solid 5.5-sack season in 2024, he was expected to be a vital piece of the pass-rush rotation behind Myles Garrett. The move, dissected live during a practice broadcast by team legend Bernie Kosar, sends a clear message: no spot is guaranteed. Compounding the defensive news, veteran linebacker Jordan Hicks announced his retirement after a 10-season career. GM Andrew Berry praised Hicks for his leadership, stating, 'Jordan brought a championship mindset to our locker room.' His departure leaves a significant void in experience and leadership in the middle of the defense, putting more pressure on the team's younger linebackers to step up.
The injury bug continues to feast on the Browns' wide receiver corps. Already without David Bell (hip surgery) and Michael Woods II (hand), another unnamed receiver had to leave Friday's practice early with an undisclosed injury. The attrition forced the front office's hand, leading to the signing of a new wideout to provide a desperately needed camp body. While the new addition fights for a spot, the silver lining is more first-team reps for players like Cedric Tillman, who was seen working extensively with the starters. The pressure is mounting on Jerry Jeudy and Tillman to lead a group that is getting thinner by the day.
Amid the turmoil, several players are making the most of their opportunities. Quarterback Deshaun Watson reportedly looked sharp and decisive during 7-on-7 drills, a welcome sign for the offense. On the other side of the ball, rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. continued to flash, making a standout play that caught the attention of coaches and analysts. And as always, Myles Garrett set the tone, with photos from camp highlighting his trademark intensity during defensive drills. While the headlines focus on who's leaving, the real story might be about who is stepping up to fill the void.
Day 3 was a stark reminder that NFL rosters are written in pencil, not pen. With unexpected holes on the defensive line and at linebacker, and a wide receiver room held together by tape, the coming weeks are crucial. Who will seize the opportunities created by these sudden departures and injuries? The battles at these key positions just got a lot more intense, and every practice rep now carries even more weight. Stay tuned, because the Browns' 2025 roster is being forged in the fire of this tumultuous training camp.
