What two practice squad signings by the Cleveland Browns mean for the future of the roster

For the most part, there weren't many surprises in the Cleveland Browns' 53-man roster on Tuesday afternoon.  Diontae Johnson and Dustin Hopkins were the lone veterans cut who had substantial starting experience, but Hopkins has struggled the last 16 months, and Gage Larvadain had a phenomenal camp and earned the final spot on the roster.  The biggest eye opener was only carrying two running backs, but the Browns have since added to the practice squad and still have Quinshon Judkins unsigned.  

Another QB in Cleveland: The #Browns are signing Bailey Zappe to the practice squad, per source.

So the QB room now includes Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Zappe, who previously spent part of last season in Cleveland. pic.twitter.com/OQKupoLKBc

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 27, 2025

There were two practice squad signings that were of interest.  The first was bringing Bailey Zappe to the practice squad.  The Browns already traded Kenny Pickett and released Tyler Huntley, so was there a massive need for Zappe with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders already on the roster?  This shows that the Browns aren't quite ready to throw one of the rookies out there if an injury occurred to Joe Flacco early in the season.  If Flacco needs to step out for a play or two, we may see Gabriel, but if it's long-term, you will likely see Zappe as the interim starter.  Fans will also scream, but Sanders has a good chance of actually starting the season on the practice squad with Zappe suiting up on Sunday of Week 1. 

Source: The #Patriots have released former 1st-round G/C Cole Strange.

He started 29 games over his three years in New England. pic.twitter.com/YqQnpOx93R

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 26, 2025

The second practice squad signing that was telling is Cole Strange, the guard/center combo, who was a former first-round pick (which Andrew Berry loves) and started 29 games for the New England Patriots over the last three years.  The Browns have bolstered their depth in the interior of the offensive line with Luke Wypler, Zak Zinter, and Strange, with the expectations that Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, and Wyatt Teller could all be gone next season with expiring contracts and retirements.