Roster decisions, injury updates and late-preseason quarterback calls shaped a busy Thursday around the NFL, with the Browns remaking their secondary, the Seahawks committing major money to Leonard Williams and several clubs sorting out key availability concerns before the regular season.
NFL Sunday Desk: Browns shuffle roster as Seahawks extend Leonard Williams
Buffalo has settled one competition in its defensive backfield. Head coach Joe Brady confirmed that Maxwell Hairston has secured the Bills’ CB2 role following Thursday’s preseason game against Pittsburgh.
Cleveland released wide receiver Cedric Tillman, its 2023 third-round selection. Tillman posted 71 receptions, 833 receiving yards and five touchdowns across 38 games, including 19 starts, during his three seasons with the Browns. Cleveland also claimed cornerback Mekhi Blackmon from Indianapolis, with the transaction set to become official Friday, and signed defensive back Eric Scott Jr.
Browns cornerback Michael Coats Jr. was seen in a walking boot during Thursday’s game, but head coach Todd Monken said the injury is not expected to be a long-term issue.
What changed for the franchise
Green Bay agreed to a one-year contract with tight end Jonnu Smith. The 31-year-old appeared in all 17 games for Pittsburgh last season, starting seven and recording 38 catches for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Smith previously earned a Pro Bowl selection with Miami in 2024.
Seattle reached agreement with defensive tackle Leonard Williams on a three-year extension worth $90 million. The Seahawks also added offensive tackle Kellen Diesch through waivers after he was released by Kansas City, while linebacker Chris Paul Jr. was waived with an injury designation.
The Seahawks will give rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe the full workload in Friday’s preseason finale against the Chiefs. Head coach Mike Macdonald said Milroe will start and remain in the game throughout the contest.
The Rams and Dolphins completed a wide receiver-running back swap. Los Angeles acquired Tutu Atwell, sending Jarquez Hunter to Miami. Atwell returns to the Rams after spending the offseason with the Dolphins. Since entering the league as a 2021 second-round pick, Atwell has totaled 105 catches, 1,535 yards and five touchdowns in 64 games, with 27 starts.
Hunter, a 2025 fourth-round pick, played in five games for Los Angeles last season and primarily contributed on special teams.
Las Vegas remains undecided at quarterback. Head coach Klint Kubiak did not select either Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza as the starter after the Raiders’ preseason finale.
Pittsburgh created nearly $18 million in 2026 cap room by restructuring DK Metcalf’s contract, converting part of his base salary into a signing bonus. The Steelers also placed wide receiver Calvin Austin III on injured reserve, signed wide receiver Tahj Washington and defensive end Jah Joyner, and released wide receiver Brandon Hayes.
Other roster and contract moves included Indianapolis extending punter Rigoberto Sanchez for two years in a deal that places him among the league’s five highest-paid punters. Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is set to come off the physically unable to perform list after an ankle injury, while right tackle Braden Smith is expected to miss time with a plantar fascia injury suffered in Wednesday’s practice. The injury is not considered a long-term concern.
Detroit placed defensive end Payton Turner on injured reserve. Running back Isiah Pacheco is uncertain for Week 1 because of a back issue and an MCL sprain. Lions coach Dan Campbell said there was no definitive update on Pacheco’s status.
Elsewhere, the Chargers’ Cameron Dicker is managing an unspecified injury, though head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated he is not worried. Giants receiver Wan’Dale Robinson underwent a concussion evaluation after a joint practice with Chicago; coach Robert Saleh characterized the hit as cheap.
Several clubs also made injury-related roster moves. Defensive lineman Victor Dimukeje went on injured reserve, while James Ester and Devon Marshall were released from injured reserve with injury settlements. Cole Turner and Dennis Houston reverted to injured reserve after being waived with injury designations. Keyron Crawford was ruled out with an ankle injury after needing assistance off the field during Thursday’s preseason game against San Francisco.
Punter Jamie Gillan participated in a tryout.
Next kickoff
Seattle faces Kansas City in its preseason finale Friday, with Jalen Milroe scheduled to start and play the entire game.
SEO Title: NFL roster roundup: Browns moves, Seahawks extend Leonard Williams
SEO Description: Cleveland releases Cedric Tillman and claims Mekhi Blackmon, while Seattle signs Leonard Williams to a $90 million extension in a busy NFL transaction update.
