The Cleveland Browns added depth to their roster Friday, signing wide receiver and return specialist Isaiah Wooden to a reserve/futures contract.
The move comes less than a week after Cleveland closed a disappointing 5-12 season, finishing outside the playoff picture and landing the No. 6 overall pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Wooden went undrafted in 2024 and spent time on the practice squads of the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Chargers. When an NFL opportunity didn’t materialize, he headed north to the CFL, signing with the BC Lions before spending the 2025 season with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
With Hamilton, Wooden was used almost exclusively as a return man. He returned 42 kickoffs for 1,105 yards and two touchdowns, added 38 punt returns for 570 yards, and scored another touchdown on a punt return. He caught just one pass during the season. Wooden was released by the Tiger-Cats earlier in the week.
Cleveland has been searching for stability in the return game. Malachi Corley, Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford all handled kickoff duties at times this season but failed to separate themselves, while primary punt returner Gage Larvadain committed several costly mistakes. Veteran DeAndre Carter was expected to play a significant role in the return game but landed on injured reserve early in the season.
Cleveland also signed punter Nik Constantinou. It’s notable given Corey Bojorquez’s impending free agency.
Browns Will Focus on Building Offense in Offseason
The Cleveland offense finished near the bottom of the league in almost every major offensive category. The Browns averaged just 262.1 yards and 16.4 points per game.
Cleveland has some young pieces to build around, including tight end Harold Fannin and running back Quinshon Judkins. But Browns general manager Andrew Berry said rebuilding the offense will be a priority this offseason.
“It’s no secret that’s where we’re going to invest most of our resources this offseason. I think the reality of it is a year ago, when we decided to make the pivot that we did, you also realize that you’re not going to be able to accomplish everything at once for the roster,” Berry said. “The offensive line, that’s a position group that I do imagine will have a fair amount of turnover as we go into 2026. But we also do feel like it was important this year and quite honestly going into next year to give young players snaps if we’re ultimately going to build the core and foundation that we need to win perennially.”
Browns WR Jerry Jeudy ‘Locked In’ After Down Year
The Browns will need to build out their wide receiver corps, which did not produce last season. Jerry Jeudy was the team’s No. 1 option but finished with just 50 catches for 602 yards and two touchdowns.
Jeudy showed his frustration at times during the season but took a reflective approach once the season wrapped up.
“Some seasons teach more than they give. Thankful for the growth. Locked in for what’s ahead,” Jeudy said in an Instagram post.
The bigger uncertainty is who will be delivering the ball to Jeudy and the Browns’ receivers next season. Cleveland is expected to thoroughly evaluate the quarterback position this offseason, with the possibility still on the table that Shedeur Sanders emerges as the team’s starter.
Browns Sign Speedy New Wide Receiver After Disappointing 5-12 Finish