Two Browns on the Bubble as Roster Decisions Loom

The Cleveland Browns concluded their preseason with a 37-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks , a game that may have sealed the fate of several players. As the team prepares to finalize their 53-man roster ahead of Week One, a few players find themselves on the outside looking in, their stock having taken a significant hit after the final preseason matchup.

One player whose position on the team has become increasingly tenuous is defensive tackle Jowon Briggs. Drafted in the seventh round this past April, Briggs has been battling to secure a spot in the Browns' crowded defensive tackle room. Unfortunately, his efforts in the preseason, particularly against Seattle, fell short. Recording just one tackle during the entire preseason, Briggs faces long odds of making the final roster, especially given the veteran depth and talent the Browns already possess at his position.

Wide receiver Jaelon Darden also finds himself in a precarious position. Despite showing some flashes late in the game against the Seahawks—catching two of his four targets for 49 yards—Darden’s overall preseason performance was underwhelming. The fourth-year receiver out of North Texas managed just four receptions throughout the preseason, with a 50% catch rate and no touchdowns. With the emergence of rookies like Cedric Tillman and Jamari Thrash , Darden’s chances of surviving the final cuts seem slim, as he appears poised to become a roster casualty for the second consecutive year.

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As the Browns move forward with their roster decisions, the performances of Briggs and Darden in the preseason finale serve as stark reminders of how quickly the tide can turn for players on the fringe. Both will be hoping for another opportunity, whether in Cleveland or elsewhere, as the regular season looms.