Cole Hutson’s attempt to find a home at the NFL level brought him through Cleveland. His next stop will take him back to college.
Hutson has rejoined Texas after securing a fifth year of eligibility, the school announced Friday. Hutson went undrafted in April and participated in rookie minicamps with the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys but did not receive a contract from either team.
Hutson then pursued legal action against the NCAA, seeking another college season. He reached an agreement that placed him among the 2022 athletes covered by a federal class-action case challenging the NCAA’s eligibility rules, per ESPN. Hutson is now back with the Longhorns for the coming campaign.
Hutson appeared in 48 games across four seasons at Texas, making 23 starts along the offensive line. Hutson made five starts at center and five at left guard last season. His experience and versatility gave him an opportunity to audition for NFL teams after he was not selected in the draft.
The Browns invited Hutson to their May rookie minicamp on a tryout basis as they evaluated additional options for their revamped offensive line. Cleveland ultimately did not add him to the roster.
Hutson also worked out with the Cowboys but entered the summer without an NFL opportunity. Rather than end his playing career, he challenged the NCAA’s rules and earned another season at Texas.
Browns Retooled Offensive Line This Offseason
GettyCleveland Browns top pick Spencer Fano.
Cleveland used its top draft pick on Utah offensive tackle Spencer Fano, selecting him ninth overall after trading down. The Browns plan to use Fano at left tackle, giving him an immediate opportunity to become a cornerstone of the revamped unit.
“His character was first, I mean, the way he’s wired,” Browns coach Todd Monken said after selecting Fano. “I think the expectations that we will have for him won’t even match that he has for himself. His athleticism, his toughness, I mean, when you want to start off the first year of your regime, you talk about what you want: character, toughness, athleticism, he has it all.”
Cleveland also acquired veteran tackle Tytus Howard in a trade with the Houston Texans. The Browns signed Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins in free agency while bringing back Teven Jenkins.
The overhaul followed the retirement of longtime left guard Joel Bitonio and the departure of Wyatt Teller, who signed with the Texans. Cleveland also drafted tackle Austin Barber in the third round and center Parker Brailsford in the fifth.
Browns Add Two Players in Latest Roster Moves
The Browns continued adjusting the roster Friday by signing offensive lineman Jack Conley and cornerback Jeadyn Lukus.
Conley joined the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent last season and later spent time on Cleveland’s practice squad. The 6-foot-7, 333-pound lineman was with the Browns for part of training camp before being waived earlier this week.
Lukus signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent after playing at Clemson. Tennessee waived the 6-foot-2 cornerback on August 1.
Cleveland cleared space by waiving wide receiver Jamari Thrash with an injury designation and linebacker Reid Carrico. The Browns also placed guard Kendrick Green on injured reserve.
Former Browns Lineman Returning to College Football After NFL Bid