Austin Watkins was a great fan favorite throughout the Browns training camp.
The NFL playoffs continue without the Cleveland Browns, but the offseason is just a few months away. Starting in March, rosters will be restructured through free agency, the NFL draft, and possible trades.
The exception to this regulation is for players who were either free agents at the end of the regular season or on practice squads. Free agents, such as TE Zach Ertz, can join with any team they choose. Ertz recently joined the Detroit Lions’ quest for the Super Bowl.
Throughout the season, practice squad players could sign with any active roster. For clubs whose seasons have ended, practice squad players may sign future/reserve contracts with the team with whom they concluded the season, but they are not limited to that team.
The Browns have lost three players from the practice squad:
- WR Austin Watkins – Signed with the Eagles
- CB AJ Green III – Signed with the Vikings
- S Tanner McCalister – Signed with the Broncos
According to various sources from The OBR, Watkins had the option of returning to Cleveland but chose a different path. The preseason sensation could have joined any team’s active roster this season, but he chose to stay on the Browns’ practice squad.
Green took to social media to express gratitude to Cleveland fans and the organization after four seasons and 34 games with the team.
McCalister, an undrafted free agent from The Ohio State University, was promoted for three games this season. The safety played 19 defensive snaps and 37 special teams snaps.
