Roster Moves Include Kaden Davis to the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad

In the NFL, roster moves extend beyond the 53-man active lineup—practice squads play a critical role in developing talent, providing depth, and preparing the team for weekly opponents. This week, the Cleveland Browns made a notable addition to their practice squad, signing wide receiver Kaden Davis, a move that may fly under the radar for casual fans but carries strategic weight for the team’s short-term preparation and long-term talent pipeline. Davis, a young receiver with speed and special teams experience, joins the Browns at a time when depth at the receiver position and special teams versatility are top priorities. Roster Moves Include Kaden Davis to the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad explores the details of this signing, Davis’ background as a player, and why the Browns’ coaching staff sees potential in him to contribute—whether on the practice field this season or as a future candidate for the active roster.

Roster Moves Include Kaden Davis to the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad begins with Kaden Davis’ journey to the NFL—from college standout to practice squad hopeful. Davis’ football path started at Northwest Missouri State University, a Division II program known for producing NFL talent. During his college career, he established himself as a dynamic deep threat, using his 4.45-second 40-yard dash speed to stretch defenses and haul in 123 receptions for 2,100 yards and 25 touchdowns over four seasons. His senior year was particularly impressive: he caught 45 passes for 890 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-MIAA honors and drawing attention from NFL scouts. After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Davis signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie free agent, where he spent training camp and the preseason. Though he was waived during final roster cuts, he showcased flashes of potential—including a 35-yard reception in a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers—that caught the eye of the Browns’ scouting department. “Davis has the physical tools to compete at the NFL level,” said a Browns’ player personnel analyst. “His speed and route-running precision stood out during his college career and preseason reps, and we want to give him a chance to refine those skills in our system.”

A key reason behind the Browns’ interest in Davis is his positional fit and special teams value. The Browns’ wide receiver corps features established names like Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore, but depth behind them has been tested this season due to minor injuries and rotational needs. Davis brings a different skill set than the team’s current receivers: while Cooper and Moore excel in short-to-intermediate routes, Davis specializes in deep patterns and winning one-on-one matchups on the perimeter—something the Browns’ offense has occasionally lacked this season. Beyond offense, Davis also has experience on special teams, a critical factor for practice squad players who are often called upon to simulate opponents’ returners or cover teams during weekly preparations. During his time with the Chiefs, he took reps as a kickoff returner and on punt coverage, showing the versatility to contribute in multiple phases of the game. “Practice squad players need to wear multiple hats,” said Browns’ special teams coordinator Mike Priefer. “Davis’ ability to help us prepare for opposing special teams units while also developing as a receiver makes him a valuable addition. He can simulate a fast deep threat like the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase in practice, which helps our defense get ready—and if we need an extra receiver or special teams contributor later, he’s already familiar with our schemes.”

Roster Moves Include Kaden Davis to the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad also includes the role of the practice squad in the Browns’ roster strategy for the Cleveland Browns. For the Cleveland Browns, the practice squad is more than just a place to stash extra players—it’s a strategic tool for player development and in-game preparation. NFL practice squads consist of up to 16 players, including rookies, first-year players, and veterans, who practice with the team but are not eligible to play in games unless promoted to the active roster. This season, the Browns have used their practice squad to develop young talent like undrafted rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and to retain experienced players who can step in quickly if injuries occur. By signing Davis, the Browns are adding to this pipeline: they can work with him on refining his route running, adjusting to NFL-level defensive schemes, and learning the nuances of their offensive playbook—all while he helps the active roster prepare for opponents. “Our practice squad is an extension of our 53-man roster,” said Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry. “We look for players who not only have talent but also have the work ethic to improve every day. Davis fits that mold, and we believe he can grow within our system.” For the Cleveland Browns, this approach has paid off in the past—players like running back Kareem Hunt and cornerback A.J. Green Jr. began their Browns tenures on the practice squad before moving up to contribute on the active roster.

Another factor in the Browns’ decision to sign Davis is addressing short-term depth needs for the Cleveland Browns. While the Browns’ active receiver group is healthy now, injuries are an inevitable part of the NFL season, and the team wants to be prepared. Over the last month, Cooper and Moore have both missed practice time with minor ankle and hamstring injuries, forcing the Browns to rely on third-string receivers like David Bell and Marquise Goodwin in practice. Adding Davis gives the team an extra body at the position, ensuring that practices remain competitive and that the offense can run all its plays without limiting reps. Additionally, Davis’ speed provides a different look in practice, which helps the Browns’ defense prepare for games against teams with fast receivers—like their upcoming matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, who feature Zay Flowers, a receiver with similar deep-threat ability. “Having depth at every position is crucial this time of year,” said Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski. “Davis gives us another option to run our offense in practice, and he helps our defense get better by simulating the types of receivers they’ll face on Sundays. That preparation is key to winning games.” For the Cleveland Browns, this short-term need for depth aligns with their long-term goal of developing young talent, making Davis a logical addition to the practice squad.

Roster Moves Include Kaden Davis to the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad also highlights Davis’ potential path to the active roster for the Cleveland Browns. While Davis is starting on the practice squad, the Browns’ coaching staff has made it clear that there is a path to the active roster for him if he continues to improve. Practice squad players can be promoted to the active roster up to three times per season without being exposed to waivers, giving the Browns flexibility to call him up if injuries or performance issues create a need. Davis’ special teams experience gives him an edge in this regard—special teams contributors are often the first practice squad players promoted, as they can fill immediate roles without needing extensive reps in the offensive or defensive game plan. “If Davis shows he can contribute on special teams and continue to develop as a receiver, he could absolutely see time on the active roster this season,” said Priefer. “We’ve seen it happen before—players who work hard on the practice squad and take advantage of their opportunities end up making an impact. We expect Davis to do the same.” For the Cleveland Browns, investing in players like Davis is part of a larger strategy to build a sustainable roster: by developing young, cost-effective talent, they can free up cap space to retain key veterans and make impactful signings in the future.

Roster Moves Include Kaden Davis to the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad wraps up with the bigger picture of roster flexibility in the NFL. While signing a receiver to the practice squad may not generate the same buzz as a blockbuster trade or a big-name free agent signing, it’s a reminder of how NFL teams build and maintain competitive rosters. For the Browns, the addition of Kaden Davis is a calculated move—one that addresses short-term practice needs, adds depth at a position of potential vulnerability, and invests in a young player with upside. It also reflects the team’s commitment to developing talent from within, a philosophy that has helped them build a competitive roster in recent years. As Davis begins his tenure with the Browns, he’ll have the opportunity to learn from veteran receivers like Cooper, work with a Pro Bowl quarterback in Deshaun Watson, and prove to the coaching staff that he belongs on an NFL active roster. “Every practice squad spot is an opportunity,” said Davis in a post-signing interview. “I’m grateful to the Browns for giving me a chance to show what I can do, and I’m going to work my hardest every day to earn their trust.” For the Cleveland Browns, this roster move is more than just a paperwork transaction—it’s a chance to uncover a hidden gem and add to the team’s long-term success.