Browns announce 53-man roster

The Cleveland Browns made their final cuts, some surprising and others not so surprising, in order to get down to the required 53-man roster.

The time has finally come, after tons of speculation the Cleveland Browns have announced their initial 53-man roster.

The Browns initial 53-man roster: pic.twitter.com/WVSxLmgY0m

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) August 31, 2021

In order to get down to 53, the team had to make some roster cuts. While most were expected there a few that were unexpected to a certain degree.

Porter Gustin

The Browns kept just three defensive ends on the roster, Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, and Takkarist McKinley. While not spectacular by any means, Porter Gustin seemed to be fairly settled in a backup role. Add in the fact that Clowney and McKinley are not a beacon of health, hanging onto another end would have been something a bit more expected.

KhaDarel Hodge

Letting KhaDarel Hodge go was a bit confusing. Hodge has shown that belongs on a NFL roster and has made some impressive plays during preseason. While preseason matters little, the fact he was making plays while a receiver who made the roster was rather forgettable is frustrating to say the least.

There is an outside chance the Browns bring back Hodge if he clears waivers and does not agree to a deal with a team that does not have an obligation to a receiver for chemistry and chemistry only.

One thing to remember about #Browns WR KhaDarel Hodge, who's been waived: He was due to make $2.13 million, which is a lot for a 6th receiver. If they bring him back, they can do so at the 4 yr vet min of $990K. Every million helps.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) August 31, 2021

Sheldon Day

Sheldon Day has experience with Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ scheme and the fact he could not have made the initial roster as a role player of some sort is somewhat perplexing. One would think that Cleveland would turn to someone familiar with the defensive scheme instead of going all-in on players of current unknown ability (Malik McDowell, Andrew Billings, Tommy Togiai).

At the end of the day the Browns could bring back all three of the players mentioned on less expensive deals, but allowing other teams a chance to sign them could backfire.