The Cleveland Browns released veteran wide receiver Cedric Tillman on Thursday.
He was set to make $3.6 million in 2026, the final year of his rookie contract. He is now subject to waivers.
The Browns claimed cornerback Mekhi Blackmon off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts in a corresponding move.
Cleveland spent first- and second-round draft picks on wide receivers in the 2026 NFL draft, selecting KC Concepcion with the No. 24 pick and Denzel Boston with the No. 39 pick. Both rookies are listed as starters, along with Jerry Jeudy, on the team's unofficial depth chart.
That pushed Tillman, 26, down the team's depth chart and now he is being released three days before Sunday's deadline for teams to trim down rosters to 53 players.
Tillman returned to practice this week after missing multiple weeks with an undisclosed injury and has yet to play in the preseason.
The Browns selected Tillman in the third round of the 2023 draft out of Tennessee. Last season, he had 21 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games (10 starts).
In three seasons, Tillman has 71 catches for 833 yards and five touchdowns in 38 games (19 starts).
ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi contributed to this report.