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Browns sign new UDFA cornerback; waive veteran tight end to make room
TL;DR
The Cleveland Browns have signed undrafted free agent cornerback Michael Coates Jr. and waived veteran tight end Sal Cannella to make room. Coates, 25, previously played at Nevada and West Virginia, where he had a strong season.
Key points
- Browns sign undrafted free agent cornerback Michael Coates Jr.
- Veteran tight end Sal Cannella waived to make room.
- Coates previously played at Nevada and West Virginia.
- He had two tackles for loss and seven passes defended last season.
- Browns lack depth at cornerback beyond Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell.
Denzel WardTyson CampbellCleveland BrownsMichael Coates Jr.
After claiming a new defensive tackle off the waiver wire earlier in the week, the Cleveland Browns were not done making roster moves. Today, they have added a new undrafted free agent cornerback to their roster, Michael Coates Jr. In order to make room for Coats on their roster, the Browns have parted ways with veteran tight end Sal Cannella.
An older prospect, Coats enters the NFL at the age of 25. He spent time at Nevada and West Virginia during his college career. This past season with the Mountaineers, Coats racked up two tackles for loss and seven passes defended. He started every game at West Virginia this past season.
How Coats factors into the Browns' plan
The Browns lack depth at the cornerback position, so Coats making the final 53-man roster is not out of the realm of possibility. Outside of Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell, there is not an established player at the cornerback position on the Browns' roster.
Coats will be competing with the likes of Myles Harden, Myles Bryant, D'Angelo Ross, Dom Jones, and Tre Avery for a chance to make the final 53-man roster. However, he does not solve the one need the Browns still have at the position: a reliable nickel cornerback. He played exclusively outside this past season at West Virginia.
Q&A
Who is Michael Coates Jr. and what is his background?
Michael Coates Jr. is a 25-year-old cornerback who played college football at Nevada and West Virginia, where he had notable defensive statistics.
Why did the Browns waive Sal Cannella?
The Browns waived veteran tight end Sal Cannella to create space on their roster for new cornerback Michael Coates Jr.
What does Michael Coates Jr.'s signing mean for the Browns' cornerback depth?
Coates' signing is significant as the Browns lack depth at cornerback, making his potential inclusion in the final 53-man roster likely.