The Cleveland Browns are parting ways with wide receiver Chase Cota, ending his short tenure with the team.
The Browns signed Cota on August 1, bringing him on to add depth to their wide receiver corps. But Cota, who has already spent time with five different teams, will now be looking for a new squad.
Cota went undrafted out of Oregon last season. He caught 103 passes for 1,380 yards and nine touchdowns over his four-year college career, which also included three years at UCLA.
Cota registered two targets but no catches during the Browns’ first preseason game.
The Browns have shuffled wide receivers in and out since the start of training camp. In recent weeks, Cleveland has waived Luke Floriea, Michael Woods, Winston Wright, and Jaelen Gill.
There’s an opportunity for a wide receiver to climb the depth chart in Cleveland. Outside of Jerry Jeudy and maybe Cedric Tillman, the Browns are still looking for reliable pass-catchers in their rotation.
With a roster spot open, the Browns signed pass-rusher Titus Leo. The former sixth-round pick has appeared in four career games with the Patriots.
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy Disappointed for Luke Floriea
Floriea was released on Monday after suffering what Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski dubbed a “serious” hamstring injury. Jeudy felt for the young former Kent State receiver.
“Yeah, that sucks,” Jeudy said. “Luke been out here grinding and doing his thing ever since he stepped foot out here, so it’s kind of frustrating him dealing with that. But Luke’s a baller so he’s going attack his workout, make sure he comes back healthy and do his thing.”
It may not be the end of the road for Floriea with the Browns. He made a strong impression during training camp and the preseason after signing as a tryout player during rookie minicamp.
“I’m told there is NO surgery needed, timetable 2-3 weeks. Not viewed as serious as expected, but team wants to resign the Kent alum when healthy. Floriea impressed early in camp and is a prime practice squad candidate,” Browns insider Brad Stainbrook wrote on X.
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy Looking to Build on Pro Bowl Season
The Browns traded for Jeudy last offseason and it proved to be a major score. The former first-round pick put up the best year of his career, catching 90 passes for 1,229 yards andfour touchdowns.
Jeudy set a high bar for himself but he’s hoping to surpass it this season.
“I just want to be a better player than I was last year, whether that’s 1 more yard, one more catch, one more touchdown,” he said. “Just be better than I was last year.
“And I ain’t really focused too much on my personal stats. I focus one game at a time. Hopefully I get to where I need to get at by the end of the season.”
A key part to that goal will be the Browns finding stability at quarterback. The team is currently going through a four-man quarterback competition, which includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The 40-year-old Flacco is expected to be the Week 1 start, barring some significant changes to the depth chart over the next few weeks.
