Browns Cut Ties with Three Players Ahead of Free Agency

Cleveland parts ways with tight end, defensive lineman, and linebacker as new league year begins.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Browns have released three players - tight end Blake Whiteheart, defensive lineman Sam Kamara, and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate - ahead of the start of the new NFL league year. The moves come as the Browns look to bolster their roster through free agency, trades, and the draft.

Why it matters

These cuts free up roster spots and salary cap space for the Browns to make more impactful moves this offseason as they aim to improve their team and contend in the AFC North. While Whiteheart, Kamara, and Diabate were depth pieces, their departures open the door for the Browns to target new players who can contribute more significantly.

The details

Whiteheart, 25, played in all 17 games for the Browns in 2025, catching 2 of 6 targets for 4 yards. Kamara, 28, has been with the team for 4 seasons but only made 4 appearances in 2025, recording 6 tackles with 3 for a loss. Diabate, 24, has appeared in 46 games with 18 starts over the last 3 seasons, making 127 tackles with 8 for a loss, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.

  • The Browns made these roster moves ahead of the start of the new NFL league year on March 15, 2026.

The players

Blake Whiteheart

A 25-year-old tight end who played in all 17 games for the Browns in 2025, catching 2 of 6 targets for 4 yards.

Sam Kamara

A 28-year-old defensive lineman who has been with the Browns for 4 seasons but only made 4 appearances in 2025, recording 6 tackles with 3 for a loss.

Mohamoud Diabate

A 24-year-old linebacker who has appeared in 46 games with 18 starts over the last 3 seasons for the Browns, making 127 tackles with 8 for a loss, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Browns S Ronnie Hickman was the only RFA they tendered (right of first refusal). Among those not tendered were TE Blake Whiteheart, DL Sam Kamara, and LB Mohamoud Diabate.”

— Mark Kay Cabot, Cleveland.com reporter (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Browns will look to fill these roster spots through free agency, trades, and the upcoming NFL Draft as they aim to build a stronger roster to compete in the AFC North.

The takeaway

These roster moves by the Browns open up opportunities for the team to target new players who can contribute more significantly as they look to improve their team this offseason. While Whiteheart, Kamara, and Diabate were depth pieces, their departures create flexibility for the Browns to make more impactful additions.