The Browns and Titans have pulled off a minor swap before this month’s draft. Cleveland has sent offensive tackle Leroy Watson to Tennessee in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round selection (No. 227). Both teams announced the move on Friday.
Watson entered the league as an undrafted free agent. He joined the Patriots’ practice squad before the 2022 season, but he took a spot on the 49ers’ taxi squad in a matter of days. San Francisco signed him to a reserve deal at the end of the campaign, where he did not see playing time. Watson was waived during the 2023 roster cutdowns, but he was retained on the practice squad to begin the season.
As Cleveland dealt with several injuries along the offensive line, additionals were needed upfront. That led the Browns to sign the UTSA product to their active roster in November, paving the way for Watson to see his first regular-season action. He made seven appearances last season, playing sparingly at both left and right tackle. In 55 offensive snaps, Watson did not commit a penalty, and PFF did not charge him with any sacks or pressures allowed.
The 23-year-old will now be able to continue working alongside Bill Callahan. The longtime Browns offensive line coach took the same position with Tennessee this offseason to work with his son, first-time head coach Brian Callahan. Watson will aim to carve out a roster spot during the summer while working under a familiar face on the coaching staff.
The Titans still have two seventh-round selections in 2024 due to this deal (although No. 227 was the team’s highest pick in the round) and seven in total. The Browns, meanwhile, will see their pick total increase to six (including a pair of Round 7 selections) with this swap. 2024 marks the third and final draft in which Cleveland will not have a first-rounder owing to the Deshaun Watson trade, but the team will now have extra Day 3 capital.
More must-reads: