Browns’ 53-Man Roster: Underdogs Rise and Quarterback Drama Unfolds – What You Need to Know!

The Cleveland Browns have officially released their initial 53-man roster for the 2025 NFL season, and it’s already generating buzz among fans and analysts alike.

As the team gears up for Week 1, they will also be filling out their practice squad, which plays a critical role throughout the season, especially in providing depth in case of injuries.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized that the decisions made regarding the roster were not taken lightly, particularly the choice to start kicker Andre Szmyt over Dustin Hopkins.

Stefanski noted that the team worked through these decisions with careful consideration, aiming to do what’s best for the organization.

Following the final preseason game against the Rams and the cutdown to the initial roster, here are three standout takeaways from the Browns’ announcement.

1. Six Undrafted Free Agents Make the Cut

In a remarkable turn of events, six undrafted rookies have secured spots on the Browns’ 53-man roster.

Among them is defensive end Adin Huntington, who earned his place with an impressive performance against the Rams, recording two sacks.

His overall preseason stats, which included 2.5 sacks and 10 tackles, showcased his potential and determination to make the team.

Alongside Huntington, wide receivers Gage Larvadain and Isaiah Bond, linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, cornerback Dom Jones, and safety Donovan McMillon also made the roster.

Except for Bond, who joined the team in August, all of these undrafted players were signed after the 2025 NFL Draft.

Throughout the preseason, Larvadain demonstrated his versatility, catching nine passes for 94 yards and even contributing to the run game with a rushing touchdown against the Panthers.

Mascarenas-Arnold emerged as a standout on defense, leading the team in tackles against both the Eagles and Rams, finishing the preseason with 17 tackles total.

Jones matched Mascarenas-Arnold in tackles against the Rams and consistently contributed in every game.

McMillon also proved his worth with a solid performance, recording five tackles against the Eagles and finishing with a total of 11 tackles and two passes defended.

Stefanski praised this rookie class for their professionalism and preparedness, stating, “Each one of those guys has been about their business from the jump and have been trustworthy.”

2. Quarterback Situation Takes a Turn

The quarterback situation for the Browns has undergone a significant transformation as they head into the season.

Initially, the team had four healthy quarterbacks competing for the starting role during training camp, but that number has now been trimmed down to three.

Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders are the remaining quarterbacks, while Kenny Pickett was traded to the Raiders for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Flacco, who was named the starter on August 18, showcased his skills during the final preseason game against the Rams, completing 9 of 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown.

With Pickett’s departure, the question arose regarding who would serve as Flacco’s backup.

Stefanski addressed this by naming Gabriel as the backup quarterback, citing his growth and potential.

“It’s such an all-encompassing evaluation. Everything the guys did in the games was important,” Stefanski explained.

Gabriel had a solid performance in his first NFL start against the Eagles, completing 13 of 18 passes for 143 yards, despite suffering a setback with a pick-six.

He rebounded impressively against the Rams, throwing for 129 yards and his first NFL touchdown, further solidifying his role on the team.

3. Building Depth for the Season Ahead

As the Browns finalize their roster, the focus now shifts to building a strong practice squad that will support the active roster throughout the season.

The practice squad consists of 16 players who will play a crucial role in ensuring the team can adapt to injuries and other challenges that arise during the grueling NFL season.

With the initial roster set, the Browns will be looking to find additional talent to fill out this squad, providing depth and support for the players on the active roster.

The combination of undrafted free agents making the roster and a reshaped quarterback lineup indicates a new chapter for the Browns as they prepare for the upcoming season.

As they embark on this journey, the team’s ability to adapt and grow will be vital in their pursuit of success in 2025.

With the roster now established, all eyes will be on the Browns as they prepare for their first game, eager to see how these decisions will play out on the field.

The upcoming season promises to be filled with excitement, and the Browns are ready to make their mark.