Tillman was set to earn $3.6 million in the final year of his rookie contract before the release. As a player with fewer than four accrued seasons, he's now subject to waivers rather than becoming an immediate free agent.
Two Rookies Made Him Expendable
The move goes back to Cleveland's draft investment at the position. The Browns used their first-round pick on KC Concepcion and their second-rounder on Denzel Boston, and both rookies are already listed as starters on the team's unofficial depth chart alongside Jerry Jeudy.
That left Tillman, a 2023 third-round pick, on the wrong side of a suddenly crowded receiver room.
Browns are releasing veteran WR Cedric Tillman, per sources. Cleveland spent two early 2026 draft picks on wide receivers, and now Tillman is out. pic.twitter.com/pIlCbiY26d
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2026
The Athletic's Zac Jackson had flagged Tillman as being on shaky ground even before the move became official, noting he sat out practice earlier in the week with an undisclosed injury.
Concepcion's path to a starting job was notable in its own right, given he underwent knee surgery just days before the draft.
Career That Flashed Real Promise
Tillman showed real potential during a strong midseason stretch in 2024, catching 24 of 40 targets for 330 yards and three touchdowns over a four-game span before a concussion ended his season early.
He never fully recaptured that form in 2025, finishing with 21 catches for 270 yards and two touchdowns across 13 games. For his career, he totals 71 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns across 38 games with 19 starts.
Tillman is expected to draw interest from other teams once he clears waivers, and several clubs are likely to view him as a worthwhile flier heading into final roster cuts.
