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Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
The Cleveland Browns wasted little time addressing the roster following Kevin Stefanski’s firing, signing six players to reserve/futures contracts on Monday.
The group includes tight end Sal Cannella, guard Jack Conley, wide receiver Luke Floriea, running back Ahmani Marshall, tackle Tyre Phillips and tight end Caden Prieskorn.
Reserve/futures contracts are offseason agreements NFL teams use to retain the rights to players who were not on the active roster at the end of the season. The contracts allow teams to carry those players through the offseason program and into training camp, where they can compete for roster spots.
Floriea might be the most notable name of the bunch. The former Kent State standout made an impression during camp but spent the season on the Browns’ practice squad.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to compete again for a spot on the roster and thankful to remain in Cleveland,” Floriea told Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald.
Cannella also received some reps late in the season with the Browns banged up at tight end. He played 35 total snaps, catching two passes for 11 yards on five targets.
Cannella made a name for himself in the UFL playing for the Arlington Renegades. In his most recent season, Cannella caught 44 passes for 474 yards, averaging 10.8 yards per reception, and earned All-UFL honors for the second straight season. Cannella led the league in receiving touchdowns in 2024, reaching the end zone six times in just 10 games.
Browns Head Into Offseason of Uncertainty After Stefanski Move
The Browns decided to fire Stefanski on Monday after a 5-12 campaign. He was hired by the Browns in 2020 and delivered an immediate turnaround. In his first season, he guided Cleveland to its first playoff appearance since 2002 and snapped the franchise’s 26-year postseason win drought.
Stefanski posted a 45-56 overall record with the Browns, making the playoffs twice and earning NFL Coach of the Year honors twice.
The Browns are now heading into a critical offseason, when they must find their new leader and make tough roster decisions.
“The next 120 days are crucial for the organization,” owner Jimmy Haslam said on Monday. “We’ve got to find the right head coach. We’ve got to be efficient again in free agency. We have 10 draft picks, including two No. 1s. We have four picks in the top three rounds. And we’ve got to get really good players who are really good people again. We’ve got to be opportunistic if trade opportunities come along. We are solely focused on having a great 120 days so we can start winning games around here.”
Browns TE David Njoku Uncertain on Return
One of the more notable roster decisions the Browns will have to weigh this offseason involves tight end David Njoku. The former Pro Bowler is coming off a down year, finishing with just 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns over 12 games.
The emergence of rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has reshaped that conversation. One of the few consistent bright spots in Cleveland’s offense, Fannin led the Browns in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
As the Browns wrapped up their season, Njoku spoke about his future and acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding what comes next.
“I do (want to return to Cleveland), but it’s not up to me,” Njoku said.
Other notable unrestricted free agents include cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., linebacker Devin Bush, and defensive tackle Shelby Harris, along with several key pieces up front in offensive linemen Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin, and Ethan Pocic.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
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