2026 Cleveland Browns Player Profile: WR Cedric Tillman

Tillman’s rookie season in 2023 was strictly developmental, receiving limited offensive snaps and with contributions on special teams. He appeared in 14 games, starting in three, and recorded 21 receptions for 224 yards.

2024 saw his opportunities increased due to injuries in the receiving group, which led to six starts in 11 games. He was able to produce 29 receptions, 339 yards, and three touchdowns. Tillman’s best performance came against the Pittsburgh Steelers where he caught seven passes for 99 yards and two scores. Unfortunately, a concussion in Week 12 sidelined him for the remainder of the year.

The 2025 season saw Tillman start 10 of 13 games while only creating modest production. Cedric reeled in 21 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns, but subpar quarterback play and lack of availability held him to only 39 targets. Having been dealt more injury woes, including a hamstring issue that placed him on injured reserve for four games along with the rib and glue ailments, Tillman’s career arc was further shallowed.

Statistical Overview

Contract Status

Tillman is in the final year of his four-year rookie contract, which is valued at approximately $5.2 million. This has a base salary in 2026 of roughly $1.7 million. He will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

2026 Outlook

The current Cleveland Browns depth chart would place Tillman at WR2 or WR3, but there are likely to be additions this offseason. Depending on just how high of a selection the Browns use in this draft, Cedric may find himself pushed down the board to start the summer.

However, that would be the outside looking in, with the potential for Tillman to place himself firmly in the mix for one of the top two spots, depending on how solid of an impression he makes on the new coaching staff. If Todd Monken’s offense resembles some of what he put together for the Baltimore Ravens, Tillman could benefit from becoming a play-action deep threat in the new system.

The obvious key for Cedric to improve and earn a long-term contract in Cleveland will be consistent quarterback play. If Shedeur Sanders, Deshan Watson, Dillon Gabriel or a quarterback not yet on the roster can establish themselves as the leader of the offense, it will dramatically increase Tillman’s fortunes.

Cedric Tillman possesses the mentality and the physical makeup to become a true weapon within the Browns’ offense. As one AFC National scout put it prior to the 2023 draft, “Big-time gamer. He had a high ankle sprain against Akron and was never close to 100 percent after that, but he did everything he could to get back on the field and help his team instead of shutting it down.”