Overview
- The Cleveland Browns claimed cornerback Mekhi Blackmon off waivers on Thursday and waived wide receiver Cedric Tillman to open a roster spot, with the transaction set to become official on Friday because Cleveland played a preseason game on Thursday night.
- Blackmon arrives to provide depth behind starters Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell after reserve Michael Coats Jr. suffered a leg injury that left the Browns short at the position.
- The 27-year-old was a 2023 third-round pick who missed 2024 with a torn ACL, was traded to the Colts for a 2026 sixth-round pick, and logged 64 tackles, two interceptions and seven pass defenses in 17 games (11 starts) for Indianapolis in 2025.
- The Colts waived Blackmon after he struggled in 2026 preseason play, drawing several pass-interference flags, and replaced him with undrafted rookie cornerback Kenneth Harris.
- With final roster cutdowns approaching, Blackmon will compete for a backup job without a preseason audition for Cleveland, and his addition gives the Browns experienced insurance that could shape the club’s final 53-man decisions.