Browns Sign Veteran Cornerback, Retain Six Exclusive Rights Free Agents

The team bolsters secondary depth and keeps key role players ahead of offseason program

Apr. 6, 2026 at 9:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes in Browns colors, representing the team's efforts to build depth and continuity in the offseason.The Browns' offseason roster moves aim to strengthen the secondary and retain key role players ahead of the 2026 season.Cleveland Today

The Cleveland Browns have signed veteran free agent cornerback Myles Bryant and re-signed six of their exclusive rights free agents, including tight end Brenden Bates, receiver Malachi Corley, linebacker Winston Reid, long snapper Rex Sunahara, kicker Andre Szmyt, and receiver Jamari Thrash. The moves come as the team prepares to begin its voluntary offseason program.

Why it matters

The signing of Bryant provides depth at cornerback for the Browns, who are moving on from former third-round pick Martin Emerson Jr. after his Achilles injury. Retaining the six exclusive rights free agents keeps key role players and special teams contributors in the fold as the team looks to build on its 2025 season.

The details

Bryant, a seventh-year pro, has appeared in 77 career games with the Patriots and Texans, recording 173 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions and 17 pass breakups. He'll provide depth behind starters Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell. The six exclusive rights free agents all saw significant playing time in 2025, with Bates, Corley, and Thrash contributing on offense, Reid and Sunahara on special teams, and Szmyt handling kicking duties.

  • The Browns signed Bryant and the six exclusive rights free agents on April 6, 2026, ahead of the start of the team's voluntary offseason program on April 11.
  • Emerson, the Browns' 2022 third-round pick, visited the Texans as an unrestricted free agent on the same day the team signed Bryant.

The players

Myles Bryant

A seventh-year pro cornerback who has spent time with the Patriots and Texans, recording 173 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 interceptions and 17 pass breakups in his career.

Martin Emerson Jr.

The Browns' 2022 third-round pick at cornerback, who is coming off an Achilles injury and is expected to depart in free agency.

Brenden Bates

A tight end who appeared in 6 games with 3 starts for the Browns in 2025, with 4 receptions for 48 yards.

Malachi Corley

A receiver who played in 13 games with 5 starts for the Browns in 2025, recording 11 receptions for 79 yards and 13 rushes for 127 yards.

Winston Reid

A linebacker who played in 16 games with 3 starts for the Browns in 2024 before missing the 2025 season with a back injury.

Rex Sunahara

The Browns' long snapper in 2025 who has appeared in 29 career games and recorded 9 special teams tackles.

Andre Szmyt

The Browns' kicker in 2025 who converted 24 of 27 field goals and 25 of 26 extra points, earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Jamari Thrash

A receiver drafted by the Browns in 2024 who appeared in 9 games in 2025, recording 10 receptions for 107 yards.

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What they’re saying

“'Love MJ. Absolutely love MJ., both as a person and as a player. Selfishly would love to have him back. I think we're also realistic that with MJ and the injury that he's coming off of, to reach his personal goals, he's also got to be in a position where he has maybe a strong opportunity to compete for a starting spot.'”

— Andrew Berry, Browns General Manager

What’s next

The Browns will begin their voluntary offseason program on April 11, two weeks earlier than teams without a new head coach. This will be the first chance for fans to hear from new offensive coordinator Todd Monken and a few select players.

The takeaway

The Browns are shoring up their secondary depth and retaining key role players as they look to build on their 2025 season. The signing of veteran cornerback Myles Bryant and the re-signing of six exclusive rights free agents demonstrate the team's commitment to maintaining continuity and adding experienced talent ahead of the 2026 campaign.