The NFL's annual roster reshuffle is upon us. With the legal tampering period set to begin next week, marking the unofficial start of free agency, the Cleveland Browns face pivotal decisions that will shape their 2026 roster. While the front office, led by General Manager Andrew Berry, has consistently managed the salary cap with surgical precision, the reality of a tight financial situation means not every contributor from last season's campaign can return.
According to a report from A to Z Sports, several notable Browns veterans are among those who could be donning new colors by the time the new league year officially commences. The potential departures span both sides of the ball, touching key positions and testing the team's depth. Let's examine the nine players identified as the most likely candidates to find new homes in free agency.
The Defensive Core in Flux
The heart of the Browns' defense could see significant change following the departure of Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz after the 2025 season, leaving the defensive coordinator position vacant as Cleveland looks for fresh leadership. Linebacker Jordan Hicks, who provided steady veteran leadership and reliable play in the middle of the field, retired from the NFL in 2025 and will not return.
Another potential departure is defensive tackle Maurice Hurst II. When healthy, Hurst has been a disruptive force from the interior, providing a valuable pass-rush push up the middle. Health has been the consistent question, and in a cap-strapped environment, investing significant money in a player with an injury history is a calculated risk the Browns might not be willing to take. His ability to collapse the pocket will make him an attractive target for other teams if Cleveland lets him walk.
Offensive Weapons and Protectors
The offensive side of the ball isn't immune to potential turnover. The tight end room, a position of strength, could lose a key piece in Harrison Bryant. Bryant joined the Houston Texans prior to the 2025 season and is no longer on the Browns roster. His departure leaves David Njoku as the primary tight end, but Bryant's consistent contributions will be missed.
The wide receiver corps also faces uncertainty. Jakeem Grant Sr., the dynamic return specialist and occasional offensive weapon, suffered a torn Achilles in 2022 with the Browns and has since moved on from the team. His electrifying speed is a game-changer, but the injury history complicates his value proposition. Special teams are a priority for this regime, so his status will be a fascinating watch. If he departs, the Browns would need to find a new primary returner, a role that carries significant weight in field position battles.
Perhaps one of the more consequential decisions involves the offensive line. Tackle Geron Christian was a valuable swing tackle in 2024 but as of 2026 is no longer on the Browns roster, having spent time with other teams such as the Dallas Cowboys. Quality offensive line depth is a premium in the NFL, and Christian performed admirably when called upon. However, capable tackles command significant money on the open market, and losing him pressures the Browns to seek depth through the draft or other veterans.
The Specialist and Role Players
The third phase of the game is also under review. Punter Corey Bojorquez has had a strong tenure in Cleveland, boasting a powerful leg that can flip field position. While the punter market can be volatile, Bojorquez remains with the Browns and could test free agency this offseason. The Browns will have to decide how much they are willing to allocate to maintain stability there.
In the defensive backfield, cornerback Mike Ford Jr. provided essential depth and special teams value but currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons. His versatility is in demand around the league, but he is not part of the Browns' 2026 roster.
Rounding out the list is a player whose impact was felt in limited snaps: defensive end Sam Kamara. A rotational pass rusher, Kamara showed flashes when given the opportunity. With the Browns' rotation anchored by Myles Garrett and Ogbo Okoronkwo, and the development of Alex Wright, the team may view Kamara as expendable cap space.
The Big Picture for the Browns
This list underscores the annual challenge for a team operating near the cap's ceiling. The Browns have built a talented, deep roster, but maintaining it requires difficult choices. Letting productive players walk is never the goal, but it is often the reality of the modern NFL's financial structure.
Andrew Berry's strategy has often involved identifying core players to extend early, finding value in the draft, and selectively participating in the second wave of free agency. The players mentioned here - including Maurice Hurst, Corey Bojorquez, and Sam Kamara - all played roles in the team's success. Their potential departures would open holes, but they also create opportunities. Opportunities for young players on the roster to step up, for draft picks to contribute immediately, and for the front office to find the next wave of value signings.
As the legal tampering period opens next week, the rumors will fly, and the landscape of the Browns' roster will begin to clarify. While fans hope to see many of these familiar faces return, the business of football ensures that some, if not most, of these nine players have likely played their final snaps for the Cleveland Browns. Their contributions were key, but the relentless march of the NFL calendar forces every team, even contenders, to look forward. The 2026 Cleveland Browns are already being built, one difficult decision at a time.