5 forgotten former Browns players who are still in the NFL

Wearing orange and brown has been a part of many NFL player's stories, from Myles Garrett to Jamal Lewis to Vinny Testaverde. Whether a player was drafted by the Browns or signed a veteran contract to elongate their career in a new city, they have worn the iconic orange helmet. While some are more memorable than others, they are still a part of Cleveland’s rich football history. Here are five former Cleveland Browns players that you forgot are still playing today:

Ben Stille, DT, Arizona Cardinals 

Ben Stille signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2022 out of Nebraska but was cut by the team and resigned as a member of their practice squad. Stille appeared in one game and recorded two tackles for the Dojphins before being signed to the Cleveland Browns active roster in November. Once in Cleveland, Stille totaled three tackles through six appearances.

The Arizona Cardinals claimed Stille off waivers from Cleveland in May of 2023 and added the 6’4 defensive lineman to their practice squad. Stille appeared in five games for the Cardinals in 2023, recording five total tackles and a sack. 

Mike Brown, S, Tennessee Titans

Mike Brown was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 out of Miami (OH). The Vikings cut brown in August, signed with the Green Bay Packers in mid-September, and then was released before the end of the month. Brown was once again signed to the Vikings practice squad before being cut for a second time and was finally picked up by the Browns in October. Brown appeared in three games for Cleveland and totaled just one tackle. 

The Tennessee Titans claimed Brown from Cleveland’s practice squad in January 2023. Brown appeared in nine games for the Titans during the 2023 campaign, totaling seven tackles and a pass breakup. 

Genard Avery, DE, Indianapolis Colts

Genard Avery was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2018 draft out of Memphis. Avery totaled 40 tackles, five tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery through 18 games for the Browns from 2018-19. 

In October of 2019, Avery was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Avery remained in Philedaphila through the 2021 season, recording 60 total tackles, six tackles for loss, ten quarterback hits, three sacks, and one pass defended through 35 games.

Avery signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March of 2022 but was released before the beginning of the season in late August. Avery signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was released, and resigned to their practice squad the next day. Avery eventually appeared in nine games, totaling five tackles, one tackle for loss, five quarterback hits, and a sack.

Avery signed with the Colts in 2023, but a knee injury in training camp that required surgery ended his season prematurely. Avery and the Colts agreed on a one-year contract to bring the defensive end back to Indianapolis. 

Tavierre Thomas, CB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tavierre Thomas signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 out of Ferris State and was waived by the team at the beginning of September. The Cleveland Browns claimed Thomas off of waivers the following day and signed him to the active roster. From 2018-2020, Thomas appeared in 45 games, totaling 47 tackles, two tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, one sack, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. 

Following the 2020 season, Thomas signed a two-year contract with the Houston Texans and later resigned with Houston on a one-year deal in 2023. Through 36 games, Thomas totaled 178 tackles, four tackles for loss, one quarterback hit, six passes defended, five forced fumbles, two interceptions and a defensive touchdown. 

In March of 2024, Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Nick Mullens, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Nick Mullens signed as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 out of Southern Mississippi. Mullens would spend four seasons with the 49ers, with his entire rookie year on the practice squad. Mullens was called up to the active roster in 2018 following starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s season-ending ACL injury. Mullens remained on the active roster for the remainder of his time in San Francisco, mainly backing up Garoppolo, but would see plenty of playing time. Through 19 games, Mullens completed 387 of his 600 attempted passes for 4,714 passing yards, 226 first downs, 25 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions. 

Mullens signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 but was waived before the beginning of the season. The Cleveland Browns signed Mullens on September 1st, adding him to their practice squad, where he would remain until a brief October call-up to the active roster, which lasted just one game. Mullens would make his Browns debut on December 20th following a COVID-19 outbreak in the locker room. Mullens completed 20 of his 30 attempted passes for 147 yards and one touchdown in his lone Browns start. 

Following the 2021 season, Mullens signed a one-year deal with the Raiders, who traded the 6’1 quarterback to Minnesota in late August. Mullens would see the field just once during the 2022 season, but that was more than enough to earn him a two-year extension with the Vikings. Through nine games with Minnesota, Mullens has completed 121 of his 173 attempted passes for 1,530 yards, 68 first downs, eight touchdowns, and nine interceptions.