The Cleveland Browns were the second-busiest team when it came to hitting the waiver wire Sunday, signing six players who were cut from other teams a day ago. Only the Jaguars, who signed seven Sunday, claimed more.
But none of the additions for the Browns was a kicker. So, less than a full week from kicking off the season against Miami, Cleveland doesn't have a replacement for Phil Dawson, the team's kicker since the Browns returned to the league in 1999.
Here are the players who are out for the Browns: running back Brandon Jackson, tight end Kellen Davis, linebacker L.J. Fort, offensive lineman Caylin Hauptmann, offensive lineman Jarrod Shaw and fullback Brad Smelley.
Here are the players who are in: running backs Bobby Rainey (Ravens) and Dennis Johnson (Texans); tight ends MarQuies Gray (49ers) and Keavon Milton (Saints); offensive lineman Patrick Lewis (Packers); and linebacker Brandon Magee (Cowboys).
“Again, our roster is fluid right now,” coach Rob Chudzinski said in what must have been the understatement of the day. “We still need to address our kicker position, so we’re not done. We’re a young and hungry team with some solid veteran leaders. I like the foundation we have in place as we enter the season. I’m excited to see what we can do.”
The Browns now have nine 2013 undrafted rookies when you add the five signed Sunday (Gray, Johnson, Lewis, Magee and Milton) with safety Josh Aubrey, offensive lineman Martin Wallace and linebackers Paul Hazel and Eric Martin. That's nearly 17 percent of the Browns' 53-man roster.
These moves show the Browns wanted to upgrade at running back and tight end. Rainey and Johnson will compete to be the No. 2 running back behind Trent Richardson. Gray and Milton will add depth behind Jordan Cameron and Gary Barnidge.
