Cleveland Browns have badly needed depth in the defensive backfield. The Browns made a move to address that need by adding a former AFC starter.
The Cleveland Browns have made a move to try and address a glaring need at cornerback ahead of Thursday's preseason game against the New England Patriots .
The Browns' cornerback room beyond Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell has been a concern throughout training camp. Undrafted free agent Michael Coats Jr. has looked good during camp, but general manager Andrew Barry needed to make a move to add depth at the position. The cupboard was bare if either starter were to go down.
Cleveland announced they have claimed former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon from waivers. Blackmon will not join the team until next week.
Blackmon is a former third-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2023 NFL Draft. He missed the entire 2024 season but bounced back with the Colts in 2025, starting 11 of the 14 games he played. He logged the most snaps of any Colts cornerback last season at 67 percent and recorded two interceptions, seven pass breakups, 64 tackles, and one sack.
Blackmon figured to be a piece for the Colts heading into this season, but a rough training camp in Indianapolis led to the two sides parting ways earlier in the week. Still, he is just 27 years old and a year removed from a solid season. If he can slot in as high as the third cornerback for the Browns and provide reliable depth, that's a win for Cleveland.
The Browns took care of an obvious roster hole, but this may not be their last move at the position. Cleveland could still use another body at cornerback, and pass rush depth remains an area to watch after roster cutdowns are finalized on Sunday. The coming days will be telling for how Berry rounds out this roster heading into the regular season.
This article was originally published on A to Z Sports. Read the full story here: Browns GM Andrew Berry made the move he had no choice but to make ahead of Browns' final preseason game
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