The NFL's legal tampering period is a whirlwind of phone calls, negotiations, and sudden farewells. For the Cleveland Browns, the opening of free agency next week marks a critical crossroads for a roster that battled through the 2025 season and now faces significant uncertainty.
General Manager Andrew Berry and his staff will confront tough decisions, balancing salary cap constraints against the goal of sustaining competitiveness. While some familiar Browns faces are likely to return, several contributors appear poised to explore new opportunities in the league.
Here is a detailed look at nine Browns players who could be suiting up for different teams when the 2026 season begins.
1. Jedrick Wills Jr., Offensive Tackle
Although drafted by the Browns in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jedrick Wills Jr. is no longer on Cleveland's current roster. After five seasons with Cleveland, Wills took the 2025 season off to rehabilitate following injuries and is now actively meeting with other teams across the league. Given the Browns' recent roster moves and salary cap philosophy, Wills entering free agency appears definitive. His talent remains evident, but Cleveland will not be in the running for his services as he seeks a fresh start elsewhere.
2. Grant Delpit, Safety
Delpit remains one of the secondary's most versatile playmakers and an emotional leader. His ability to cover multiple roles in the defensive backfield has made him a valuable asset. However, safety is a position the Browns are comfortable rotating more cost-effectively. With Juan Thornhill secured and promising young safeties waiting in the pipeline, Delpit's likely salary demands in free agency may be beyond what Cleveland is prepared to allocate, putting his future with the Browns in doubt.
3. Elijah Moore, Wide Receiver
Traded to Cleveland last season, Elijah Moore showed flashes of creativity and playmaking ability, but he never became a consistent target. With Amari Cooper's status uncertain and the Browns targeting other wide receiver profiles going forward, Moore may be viewed as a candidate for a change of scenery. Other teams seeking a receiver with potential upside might offer him more prominent opportunities, making his return to Cleveland unlikely.
4. Jordan Elliott, Defensive Tackle
Jordan Elliott has served as a dependable rotational defensive tackle. Yet, the Browns' defensive line, anchored by players like Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris, is expected to trend younger and more dynamic. Elliott is not currently on the Browns roster, and it appears he, too, is approaching free agency. Given Cleveland's cap priorities and focus on interior defensive line upgrades, Elliott may test the open market for a new deal.
5. Sione Takitaki, Linebacker
"Sione Takitaki, once a Browns staple known for intelligence, versatility, and special teams impact, is now no longer with the team." His significant contributions have been warmly appreciated, but Cleveland's linebacker room has evolved, with younger players stepping in. If other teams offer Takitaki a contract befitting a starting linebacker role, it may be outside Cleveland's preferred spending range, suggesting his departure is probable.
6. Harrison Bryant, Tight End
Bryant served as a reliable second-string tight end behind David Njoku, offering solid hands and adequate blocking. With Njoku under a long-term extension and the Browns inclined to fill backup roles via lower-cost options, Bryant faces an uncertain future in Cleveland. A team willing to provide a more substantial offensive role could lure him away in free agency.
7. Corey Bojorquez, Punter
Bojorquez is one of the league's premier punters, known for his booming leg and ability to flip field position -- a valuable asset in Cleveland's challenging weather conditions. Unlike many specialists, Bojorquez is expected to demand a premium in free agency. The Browns have a track record of developing punting talent but also understand the value of proven performers. Bojorquez's future in Cleveland hinges on whether his cost aligns with the team's valuation of a premium specialist.
8. Maurice Hurst II, Defensive Tackle
Hurst has showcased explosive interior pass rush when healthy, but a worrisome injury history clouds his long-term outlook. The Browns are reportedly open to re-signing him on a team-friendly, incentive-driven deal. However, if another team offers more guaranteed money betting on his return to form, Hurst could depart despite his impact when available.
9. Matthew Adams, Linebacker/Special Teams Ace
Adams, signed primarily for his special teams leadership, excelled in kick coverage units. Such players often have limited shelf life, with teams preferring to groom younger, cost-effective replacements at these roles. Unless Adams is willing to accept a minimum-value contract, the Browns will likely move on, seeking fresh special teams talent through the draft or undrafted players.
The Big Picture for Cleveland
This group represents a microcosm of the NFL's constant roster churn. The Browns face a delicate balancing act -- preserving a competitive roster while managing salary cap realities and positional needs.
Andrew Berry's front office philosophy emphasizes hard evaluations and financial discipline: locking in foundational players early and possessing the flexibility to part ways with valuable but expendable contributors when their market value exceeds Cleveland's internal thresholds.
From stalwarts like Delpit and (formerly) Wills to indispensable role players like Takitaki and Bojorquez, the Browns have tough calls ahead. Each departure, if it occurs, will free cap space to strengthen areas of need such as wide receiver depth, offensive line consistency, and pass rush potency.
As the tampering period opens, Browns fans will watch closely as familiar faces potentially say farewell. For the organization, it is the unforgiving business of shaping a championship contender -- a process defined by difficult decisions and strategic roster construction.
The shape of the 2026 Cleveland Browns roster will begin to take definitive form in the coming weeks, framed by those pivotal choices. The front office's ability to navigate free agency successfully could be the difference between a return to playoff contention and another rebuilding season.