The Browns are more than two months away from the deadline to trim their squad to 53 players. Cleveland currently has 89 players after waiving defensive end Lonnie Phelps on Thursday, but tough decisions loom as the team narrows down its roster.
Some of these decisions will involve the offensive line, where the team has 17 players listed. Since most 53-man rosters carry fewer than a dozen offensive linemen, the Browns will likely cut six players by the August deadline.
Today, Browns Nation will look at four players who are likely to be casualties of this year’s 53-man roster cuts.
**Center Brian Allen**
The Browns signed Brian Allen in May, adding the 6-foot-2, 303-pound center as their third option at the position. Allen has significant experience, having started for the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl LVI victory. However, injuries have hampered his last two seasons. The Browns would need to part with either starter Ethan Pocic or second-year player Luke Wypler to keep Allen, which seems unlikely.
**Tackle Hakeem Adeniji**
Hakeem Adeniji has 15 starts in 43 career games and would be an excellent backup on most rosters. However, the Browns already have three legitimate starters and a proven backup, making Adeniji the fifth tackle. Expect the Browns to cut Adeniji and try to re-sign him if he clears waivers.
**Lineman Lorenzo Thompson**
Lorenzo Thompson, an undrafted free agent, is a 6-foot-6 rookie with plenty of potential. The Browns are likely to cut him and then re-sign him to the practice squad.
**Tackle Roy Mbaeteka**
Roy Mbaeteka, a Nigerian-born player, is a great addition given the Browns’ marketing efforts in Nigeria. However, Mbaeteka will likely be cut and later re-signed to the practice squad.
