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Cleveland Browns make bold secondary move as QB concerns drive roster shift
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- Cleveland Browns make bold secondary move as QB concerns drive roster shift
Cleveland Browns make bold secondary move as QB concerns drive roster shift originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Cleveland continues reshaping its roster, focusing on patching weak spots, by bringing in defensive back Myles Bryant on an undisclosed deal after his recent stint with the Houston Texans .
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The move adds experience to both the secondary and special teams, two areas that struggled last season. Bryant, now in his sixth year, previously spent four seasons with the New England Patriots before joining Houston, appearing in 22 games across the last two years with three starts, all coming last season.
He recorded 40 tackles and one tackle for loss last year after posting 14 tackles the season prior in a primarily special teams role.
Across 55 appearances in New England and 17 starts, Bryant totaled 200 tackles, four interceptions, three forced fumbles, two sacks, and 17 passes defended. He also handled punt return duties at times, averaging seven yards per return, adding another layer to his versatility.
Cleveland's offseason approach suggests a deliberate attempt to stabilize overlooked phases of the game. Additions like safety Daniel Thomas , along with retaining D'Angelo Ross and Tre Avery , and tendering Ronnie Hickman , point toward building depth rather than chasing headline signings.
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With quarterback uncertainty still unresolved, the front office appears intent on strengthening the roster foundation first, ensuring that when clarity arrives under center, the supporting structure is already in place.
Cleveland's depth strategy signals bigger draft approach as QB market falls short
Bryant's arrival positions him as a contender for the nickel corner role, where he could slot alongside boundary corners Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell . He enters a competition that includes Ross, Myles Harden , and potentially a rookie addition. Harden handled much of that responsibility last season, finishing with 48 tackles and five passes defended despite inconsistent stretches.
The need for depth intensified after the organization decided not to retain Martin Emerson Jr., who missed most of last year with a torn Achilles. Even if Bryant does not secure a starting role, his presence offers insurance behind Ward, who has battled injuries. His primary impact, however, is expected on special teams.
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Cleveland allowed three return touchdowns last season and frequently struggled with coverage discipline, leaving punter Corey Bojorquez exposed. With Byron Storer now overseeing that unit, Bryant's experience could help tighten execution.
At the same time, the bigger picture remains centered on quarterback instability. The current class lacks top-tier certainty, with Fernando Mendoza viewed as a future starter and Ty Simpson still unproven.
Recent struggles from prospects like Garrett Nussmeier , Drew Allar , and Cade Klubnik have weakened early-round confidence. Cleveland's safer path appears to be reinforcing the roster now and revisiting the quarterback position later, rather than forcing a risky selection too early.
