3 Cleveland Browns who could be cut ahead of 2021 season

After adding plenty of new faces in both the draft and free agency, the Cleveland Browns could be forced to move on from a few veterans

There was a clear goal in mind this offseason for the Cleveland Browns, improve the defense. Much in the same way he attacked the offensive line in 2020, general manager Andrew Berry went all-in on that side of the ball in both free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.

Now, the roster looks a whole lot better as they could have as many as eight new starters this season on that side of the ball. Of course, they added other players as well but the main focus was improving their greatest weakness.

Cleveland accomplished this, and more. And as good as that is for their prospects in 2021, it does mean some players could be on the outside looking in once the season kicks off. Here we look at three such players who could be released before the start of the regular season.

3. KhaDarel Hodge, Wide Receiver

Yes, the primary focus in the offseason has been adding defensive help but the Browns did pick up a couple of offensive pieces as well in the draft. They added Auburn wide receiver Anthony Schwartz in the third round as well as Demetric Felton out of UCLA in the sixth — and he’s capable of playing the slot as well as running back. Felton is also a potential kick returner as well.

Adding those two players will make it much harder for someone such as KhaDarel Hodge to make the 53-man roster. Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Hodge has been a special teams player for the most part but does serve as a deep threat as well — 17.1 yards per reception on 27 catches the past two seasons.

Now, Schwartz will surely take on the deep threat role with his sub 4.3 speed and Felton is one of many players who can pick up the special teams slack — and he offers more as an offensive threat as well.