Edwin Baker & Anthony Armstrong Among 14 Browns Roster Cuts
The Cleveland Browns have until Tuesday at 4PM to get their roster down to 75 players. Today they made 14 cuts, moving them 1 away from being in compliance tomorrow. The timing of the cuts made sense as players are on the field now practicing. Cutting players tomorrow after one day of practice, if Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer knew the cuts, would be a bit heartless.
Edwin Baker, Anthony Armstrong, Royce Adams, Randall Harris, T.J. Heath, Cam Henderson, Jonathan Krause, Ryan Lee, Caleb McSurdy, Keavon Milton, Keith Pough, Tim Smith, Jeremiah Warren, Martell Webb and Anthony Armstrong were all cut today.
The only two players that were somewhat of a surprise were Baker and Armstrong. Baker seemed to be the front runner for the 3rd running back spot but wasn’t able to capitalize in camp. Currently Dion Lewis leads that competition over Chris Ogbonnaya and undrafted rookie Isaiah Crowell. Lewis has gotten the majority of the work in the first 3 Pre-Season games while Obby has gotten a few snaps in the offense and many reps on special teams. Crowell, who many (including this writer) thought could compete for time on the field this season, may be a practice squad candidate. He has gotten very little playing time so far.
Armstrong is a veteran receiver who was brought in due to his connection to Kyle Shanahan. He wasn’t expected to play a big role in the offense but, with Josh Gordon likely suspended for some time, was expected to contribute. He isn’t known for anything amazing at this time (speed, routes, hands) but is a solid 4th or 5th receiver. Obviously he didn’t show enough to stay on the team and some of the younger receivers played well enough to make him expendable.
Royce Adams will be remember for how many times he got burned this pre-season and little else. It is not likely any of these players make it to the practice squad. That will likely come from the group of players cut when the Browns get down to the 53 man roster.
One move is still needed to be made by tomorrow. It is possible the Browns are looking to make a low level trade, instead of just cutting a player, to get down to the required number. The depth the Browns have on the defensive line could be where they look to make that move. The Browns are expected to be very active in waiver claims, having a Top 5 spot in line for waivers will help.
Any surprises here for you?