Cleveland Browns release Jaelen Strong

Per Jaelen Strong's twitter, his time with the Cleveland Browns has come to an end

Strong appeared to have a good shot to make the Browns as a fifth or sixth wide receiver, but he played relatively poorly in the preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The larger problem for Strong is he just doesn't bring anything to special teams.

The Browns tried to put him on some units and it just didn't take. This release as well as the decision to release Jhavonte Dean earlier today might be at the request of agents for players that weren't going to make the team in another week anyway, so releasing them now gives them a better chance to catch on with another team.

They can get claimed, get the fourth preseason game and some practices to make an impression and see if they can secure a spot on the final roster. Failing that, they might be able to make a practice squad.

This move speaks to the importance of special teams, first and foremost. Players like Derrick Willies are going to make this team because of their impact there before anything they do as a receiver. As a result, a player like Damion Ratley, who missed a ton of time wit a hamstring, suddenly looks good to get every opportunity to secure a roster spot because of what they can do on coverage units.