The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for a big 2024 season. Despite the challenges following the Deshaun Watson trade, they’ve assembled a strong roster. Ironically, they now appear to be just one quarterback away from becoming a perennial contender in the AFC. With a greater emphasis on defense in 2024, it’s promising to see the addition of new defensive talent.
According to the team’s website, the Browns have signed defensive end Marcus Haynes and linebacker Landon Honeycutt. To make room, they waived wide receiver Jalen Camp and guard Chim Okorafor.
Haynes, a rangy defensive end from Old Dominion, went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft and joined the Denver Broncos as a UDFA. He spent the 2023 season on their practice squad and will wear No. 52 with the Browns.
Honeycutt, a rookie from Mars Hill University, participated in Cleveland’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis and impressed the coaches enough to earn another shot during training camp. He will wear No. 35 for the Browns.
Ultimately, this transaction is about shuffling camp bodies. All four players involved are likely to be reserve players and may end up on practice squads rather than making the 53-man roster.
Adding Haynes is a particularly sensible move, as Browns star defensive end Za’Darius Smith was recently carted off the practice field with an injury. While Smith is expected to recover, he will miss some practice time, so bringing in Haynes as a temporary replacement is a practical decision.
