The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for a promising 2024 season. Despite the ongoing impact of the Deshaun Watson trade, the team has managed to build an impressive roster. Ironically, they now find themselves on the brink of being a consistent contender in the AFC, with just one quarterback away from reaching that status. To bolster their chances, the Browns may need to rely more on their defense this season, and they’ve addressed this need by bringing in new defensive talent.
According to the team’s website, the Browns have signed defensive end Marcus Haynes and linebacker Landon Honeycutt. In corresponding moves, the team has waived wide receiver Jalen Camp and guard Chim Okorafor. Haynes, a versatile defensive end from Old Dominion, went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft but signed with the Denver Broncos as a UDFA and spent last season on their practice squad. He will don No. 52 with the Browns.
Honeycutt, a rookie from Mars Hill University, impressed the team during the rookie minicamp, earning a spot for training camp. He will wear No. 35 with the Browns.
While these moves are largely about camp depth, with all four players involved likely to end up on the practice squad rather than the 53-man roster, the signing of Haynes is particularly timely. With star defensive end Za’Darius Smith recently carted off the practice field with an injury—though reports suggest he will recover—adding Haynes provides valuable depth for training camp.