The Cleveland Browns are releasing offensive lineman Dawson Deaton with a failed physical designation.

The Cleveland Browns have released offensive lineman Dawson Deaton with a failed physical.

A seventh-round pick in 2022, Deaton has ended up on injured reserve each of the past two seasons due to knee injuries. Deaton was selected with the 246th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech. He would then suffer a torn ACL in training camp that ended his rookie season. Before training camp began, Deaton was released with an injury designation in 2023, clearing waivers before ending up on injured reserve for the second season in a row.

Deaton is the second former Browns draft pick to be released this offseason with an failed physical designation. Drew Forbes, who was a sixth-round pick in 2019 out of Southeastern Missouri State University was released due to an injury to his back. This reduces the depth on the interior of their offensive line by two.

The Browns had to know this was at least a possibility, if they didn’t just plan for it. The team drafted Zak Zinter, an offensive guard out of Michigan in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft which will account for the loss of Forbes. Meanwhile, the Browns still need to come up with additional depth at that position, especially if the Browns are planning to be cautious with how many practice reps they want to give out to Joel Bitonio and possibly Wyatt Teller, their incumbent starters.

This move comes on the eve of rookie minicamp. The Browns have reportedly agreed to deals with nine undrafted free agents. One of which is reportedly Javion Cohen, a guard from the University of Miami. Jalen Sundell played center and tackle for North Dakota State. The team also signed Brian Allen, another center. With the move to release Deaton, the roster will be sitting at 89.

Whether the Browns want to use another roster spot on an interior offensive lineman remains to be seen. The team appears to be giving themselves the opportunity to sign a player they are bringing in for a tryout. They could also just opt to bring in another veteran. In addition to guard, the team could be looking for more help at positions including tight end and linebacker.

It’s unfortunate that Deaton didn’t get the opportunity to suit up for a regular season game as a member of the Browns. Preseason is as far as he got before injuries derailed his career. He only had the one training camp as well. If Deaton can get healthy, he will have an opportunity to sign with another team or potentially re-sign with the Browns. For the time being, they will need to seek answers elsewhere.

Browns rookie minicamp runs from the 10th to the 12th and media will be on campus for the first two days.