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Cleveland Browns confirm suspicion about how important former Tennessee Vols WR Cedric Tillman is to the franchise in 2025

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Zach Ragan | Last updated Aug 6, 2025 3:08 PM ET

NFL depth charts in early August can be misleading, which is why they're usually labeled as "unofficial depth charts".

That's also why the Cleveland Browns' unofficial depth chart that was released this week that listed former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Cedric Tillman as a starter isn't necessarily how the depth chart will look when the season gets underway next month.

What is telling, though, is the Browns' decision on Tillman for the team's first preseason game (against the Carolina Panthers on August 8).

The Browns, according to ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi, are not playing Tillman -- or fellow first-string wide receiver Jerry Jeudy -- against the Panthers.

Browns WRs Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman will not play in Friday’s preseason opener.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) August 6, 2025

This seemingly confirms that Tillman is viewed as a critical player in the Browns' offense. If he was fighting for that No. 2 wide receiver spot, he'd likely be playing against Carolina. Instead, Tillman seems to be locked into that role with Cleveland.

The Browns' decision on Tillman for the first preseason game is even more notable considering that many NFL teams are choosing to give their starters more playing time in preseason games this year (including the Cincinnati Bengals with superstar quarterback Joe Burrow).

Cleveland clearly doesn't want to risk losing Tillman, signaling his importance to the team in 2025.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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