The Cleveland Browns wasted no time addressing a need for explosive playmaking in the backfield, signing former Mississippi State running back Davon Booth as a priority undrafted free agent shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Draft. The move adds a dynamic, home-run-hitting element to a running back room that already features a blend of power and versatility but has been searching for a true game-breaking speed option.
Booth, who spent his final collegiate season in Starkville after transferring from UTEP, brings exactly the kind of acceleration and big-play ability that can turn a simple handoff into six points in a hurry. At 5-foot-9 and 195 pounds, he isn't the biggest back in the room, but his burst through the hole and top-end speed make him a legitimate weapon in space -- the type of player offensive coordinators dream about scheming touches for.
Speed That Translates
For a Browns offense that has sometimes lacked a dynamic element on the ground, Booth's skill set stands out immediately. He posted a sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and that track speed shows up consistently on tape. Whether it's bouncing a run outside, catching a swing pass in the flat, or hitting a crease between the tackles, Booth accelerates to top speed faster than most defenders can react.
At Mississippi State last season, Booth averaged 5.9 yards per carry on 98 attempts, rushing for 578 yards and four touchdowns. He also proved capable as a receiver out of the backfield, hauling in 21 catches for 188 yards and another score. Those numbers might not jump off the page as gaudy, but context matters -- the Bulldogs' offense dealt with inconsistent quarterback play and an offensive line that struggled to create consistent push, making Booth's per-touch efficiency all the more impressive.
What jumps out on film is his vision and decisiveness. Booth doesn't dance behind the line of scrimmage. He sees the hole, plants his foot, and gets north-south in a hurry. That's a trait that translates well to the NFL, where hesitation often leads to negative plays. For a Browns team that wants to establish the run and set up play-action, having a back who can hit home runs on relatively modest openings is a valuable weapon.
Filling a Roster Need
The Browns entered the offseason with a clear understanding that their running back depth needed an injection of speed. While the team has established starters and complementary pieces, the group lacked a true burner -- someone who forces defenses to account for the threat of a long run on every snap. Booth fits that description perfectly.
General Manager Andrew Berry and the front office have consistently prioritized adding competition at every position, and the undrafted free agent market has been a productive avenue for the Browns in recent years. The team has found contributors and even starters via the UDFA route, demonstrating a keen eye for talent that may have slipped through the cracks for various reasons -- draft projection miscalculations, medical concerns, or simply a deep class at the position.
Booth's draft slide can likely be attributed to a combination of factors: he's undersized by NFL standards, he comes from a program that wasn't consistently in the national spotlight, and he didn't put up gaudy career totals. But the tape doesn't lie, and neither do the stopwatches. Speed is a premium commodity in today's NFL, and the Browns are betting that Booth's acceleration translates to Sundays.
Competition Awaits
Booth won't be handed anything. The Browns' running back room has established talent, and earning a roster spot will require him to prove himself on special teams and in pass protection -- two areas where rookies, especially undrafted ones, must show immediate competence.
However, the path to a role exists. If Booth can demonstrate that his speed is a legitimate weapon in the return game or as a change-of-pace back, the coaching staff will find ways to get him the ball. The NFL has increasingly become a matchup-driven league, and having a back who can outrun angles to the sideline is a luxury that creative coordinators exploit.
Training camp will be Booth's first real test. He'll need to show he can handle NFL-level pass rushers in blitz pickup and prove he can run routes with precision against linebackers and safeties. Running backs who can only run the ball have shorter career arcs; those who provide value in multiple phases stick around.
The Bigger Picture
This signing, while relatively minor in the grand scheme of the Browns' offseason, reflects a broader philosophy. The team is actively seeking players who bring a specific, identifiable trait to the table -- in Booth's case, explosive speed. Rather than settling for a roster full of solid but unspectacular players, the Browns are taking swings on upside.
It also underscores the reality of modern roster construction. The draft provides the core talent, but the undrafted free agent market is where teams find complementary pieces, special teams contributors, and occasional starters. The Browns have done well in this area before, and Booth represents another opportunity to unearth a diamond in the rough.
What's Next?
Booth will report to Cleveland for rookie minicamp and offseason workouts, where he'll have his first chance to make an impression on the coaching staff. From there, the battle for roster spots begins in earnest. The preseason games will be critical -- that's where Booth's speed can show up in live game action against NFL competition.
For fans eager to see the Browns add more explosive elements to the offense, Booth is a name worth watching. He might not be a household name now, but if he hits, he could be a difference-maker in the return game and as a change-of-pace option. The Browns clearly believe they've found something, and the investment of a priority UDFA contract is a low-risk, high-reward bet on a player whose best football might still be ahead of him.
The offseason is about building depth and creating competition. With the signing of Davon Booth, the Browns have added another layer of intrigue to the running back room -- and given defensive coordinators one more thing to worry about.
