Ex-Florida State wide receiver cut by Cleveland Browns

The Browns didn't waste much time moving on from a former Seminole.

Aug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns signed former Florida State wide receiver Winston Wright Jr. to their 90-man roster on July 25. Just nine days later, the Browns have already decided to move on from Wright Jr. without seeing him perform in an exhibition game.

In a release, Cleveland announced it was cutting the undrafted rookie on Sunday to make room for offensive tackle Wilson Zierer.

Wright Jr. went through rookie minicamp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2025 NFL Draft but was not signed at the time.

READ MORE: Former Florida State QB makes NFL preseason debut for Los Angeles Chargers

This is a critical time around the league and it may be tough for Wright Jr. to find a spot elsewhere with so many players battling for jobs on 53-man rosters and practice squads.

Winston Wright Jr. Rebounded In 2024

Wright Jr. transferred to Florida State in 2022 with high hopes to be a potential starter at wide receiver. However, he suffered a leg injury in the spring of that year as a passenger in a car accident. The ailment forced him to miss the entire season.

When Wright Jr. returned the following year, he still wasn't 100% and didn't look like the same player. It was a frustrating situation for both parties. Ultimately, Wright Jr. departed from Florida State in the middle of the 2023 season, ending his time with the program with four catches for 36 yards and three kick returns for 85 yards.

Wright Jr. landed at East Carolina for his final season of eligibility. He began to get back to his old self, starting in ten of his 11 appearances for the Pirates. He caught 54 passes for 556 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing 13 times for 91 yards. Wright Jr. also returned 22 kickoffs for 590 yards (26.8 yards per return) and one touchdown.

At East Carolina's Pro Day, Wright Jr. posted a 4.43 40-yard dash. He brings major potential as a return threat at the professional level.

Game-changing Potential As A Kick Returner

Wright Jr.'s ability on special teams is what could entice teams at the professional level.

Speed and game-changing ability are two traits Wright Jr. brings to the field when he's healthy.

At West Virginia, Wright Jr. broke the program's single-game record for kickoff return yards (217 yards) in 2021. During his three seasons with the Mountaineers, Wright Jr. returned 50 kickoffs for 1,236 yards (24.7 yards per return) and two touchdowns. He added another kickoff return for a score at East Carolina.

Which Former Florida State Players Are On NFL Teams?

RB Trey Benson - Arizona Cardinals

DB Jammie Robinson - Arizona Cardinals

OLB Josh Sweat - Arizona Cardinals

RB Jashaun Corbin - Atlanta Falcons

WR Keon Coleman - Buffalo Bills

K Dustin Hopkins - Cleveland Browns

DL Mario Edwards Jr. - Houston Texans

DB Jarrian Jones - Jacksonville Jaguars

DL Fabien Lovett Sr. - Kansas City Chiefs

DE Janarius Robinson - Kansas City Chiefs

DB Derwin James Jr. - Los Angeles Chargers

DB Asante Samuel Jr. - Los Angeles Chargers *free agent

DL Braden Fiske - Los Angeles Rams

OLB Keir Thomas - Los Angeles Rams

OLB Jared Verse - Los Angeles Rams

DB Jalen Ramsey - Miami Dolphins

TE Jaheim Bell - New England Patriots

DL Joshua Farmer - New England Patriots

RB Cam Akers - New Orleans Saints

OLB Brian Burns - New York Giants

K Graham Gano - New York Giants

QB Jameis Winston - New York Giants

OLB Jermaine Johnson - New York Jets

DL Derrick Nnadi - New York Jets

DB Azareye'h Thomas - New York Jets

WR Ontaria Wilson - New York Jets

WR Johnny Wilson - Philadelphia Eagles

LB Tatum Bethune - San Francisco 49ers

DB Renardo Green - San Francisco 49ers

DL Eddie Goldman - Washington Commanders

OL Bobby Hart - Washington Commanders

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READ MORE: Florida State athlete to get rare two-way opportunity in fall camp

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