Browns roster changes: Young cornerback out, interesting edge rusher and corner in

The Cleveland Browns have made several roster changes as they prepare for the start of the 2026 NFL season, and these changes will continue over the next week and a half until Week 1. The team's general manager, Andrew Berry, is known for frequently altering the roster throughout the season, making it unlikely that there will be much stability at the bottom of the roster.

On Tuesday, the Browns waived cornerback Michael Coats Jr. and signed defensive end Sam Williams. Coats, an undrafted free agent, was on the initial roster despite an ankle injury that could potentially sideline him for a few games at the beginning of the season. Williams, a second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2022, missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to a knee injury.

Despite having just one sack and four QB hits in his first two seasons, Williams played the most defensive snaps of his career last year, with 474.

Later, the Browns added cornerback Noah Igbinoghene to the 53-man roster. The veteran CB was a first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2020 and has been with the team for seven seasons, including the last two with the Washington Commanders. Igbinoghene has recorded 17 passes defended, one interception, one sack, 119 tackles, two tackles for loss, and two QB hits throughout his career. He appears to perform best in man-coverage schemes.