Browns Cut Ties with Trio of Veteran Players for Cap Savings

Moves free up over $40 million in salary cap space for the Browns this offseason.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:38pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Browns have officially released tight end David Njoku and right guard Wyatt Teller with post-June 1 designations, while also cutting offensive tackle Jack Conklin. These moves will save the Browns over $40 million in salary cap space as they look to rebuild their offense this offseason.

Why it matters

The Browns are making significant roster moves to create cap flexibility and retool their roster, particularly along the offensive line and at wide receiver. These cuts of veteran players will allow the team to sign new free agents and draft picks to improve the team for the 2026 season.

The details

By designating Njoku and Teller as post-June 1 cuts, the Browns will spread their dead cap hits over the 2026 and 2027 seasons, saving more immediate cap space. Conklin's release, however, will all count against the 2026 cap. In total, these moves will free up over $40 million in cap room for the Browns to work with this offseason as they look to rebuild their roster.

  • On March 12, 2026, the Browns officially released TE David Njoku and RG Wyatt Teller with post-June 1 designations.
  • Also on March 12, 2026, the Browns released OT Jack Conklin.

The players

David Njoku

A tight end who has played for the Browns since being drafted in the 1st round in 2017.

Wyatt Teller

A right guard who has started for the Browns since being acquired in a 2019 trade.

Jack Conklin

An offensive tackle who signed with the Browns as a free agent in 2020.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“By cutting Njoku, Cleveland breaks his dead cap into $9.5 million in 2026 and $14.7 million (in 2027).”

— Daniel Oyefusi, ESPN Reporter

“Teller's dead cap will be broken up into $8.2 million in 2026 and $11.1 million in 2027.”

— Daniel Oyefusi, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Browns will now have over $40 million in additional cap space to work with as they look to rebuild their roster through free agency and the draft.

The takeaway

The Browns are making tough but necessary roster moves to create salary cap flexibility and retool their team for the 2026 season. By designating Njoku and Teller as post-June 1 cuts, the team can spread the dead cap hits over two years, maximizing their immediate cap savings.