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Cleveland Browns roster: Final 53-man roster prediction for 2021

By Noah Weiskopf

BEREA, OH - AUGUST 10: Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #28 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns Training Camp on August 10, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - AUGUST 10: Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #28 of the Cleveland Browns runs a drill during Cleveland Browns Training Camp on August 10, 2021 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns
Aug 29, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up on the field prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Browns have until 4:00 PM EST on Tuesday to finalize their 53-man roster. Here we predict which players will make the cut for Week 1.

The Cleveland Browns finished their preseason with a win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

Now, they get ready for a Week 1 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team that ended their season in the 2020 NFL Playoffs.

But before they can truly dive into the game-planning, they need to trim their roster down to 53 players by 4:00 pm EST. Here’s a prediction of how that roster can look when cuts are made.

Cleveland Browns Quarterbacks (2)

Baker Mayfield
Case Keenum

Baker Mayfield is the unquestioned starter on this team and it’s become laughable to think about the time they signed Case Keenum to be his backup and some thought it could be a competition. Mayfield was one of the best in the NFL down the stretch last season and should be able to build upon that success since he’s finally in the same system for the second season in a row — the first time in his career.

Keenum is still entrenched as the No. 2 guy despite the play from Kyle Lauletta. Keenum is the newest punching bag for fans who simply see his lack of arm strength and think that means he can’t play at all anymore.

Being a backup quarterback, Keenum’s job is to be able to calmly make the calls, make the right reads, and be ready at the drop of a hat to get into the game and deliver. Keenum, 33, has been in the wide zone scheme for years now and was a huge help to Mayfield last season in getting him adjusted. There is no question that the Browns would be more comfortable with Keenum at the helm in the tough situation where Mayfield would not be able to play than Lauletta.

There is no point for the Browns to keep three quarterbacks on their roster. Like last season with Garrett Gilbert, you’d have to imagine the Browns cut Lauletta and then put him on their practice squad so long as he does not get claimed by another club.

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