With NFL rosters being cut down to 53 players this weekend, teams are finalizing their remaining roster questions. They understand which spots on the roster are strengths and where they may be weaker. It is also important to remember that teams may be waiting to see what happens with veteran options who are on the roster bubble or nearing the chopping block for other teams.
The Kansas City Chiefs clearly have a couple of huge roster question marks. On offense, the wide receiver room presents a lot of "what if" possibilities. What if Rashee Rice gets back to being an efficient target? What happens with Xavier Worthy if he remains healthy? What if Tyquan Thornton flashes as he did early last season? What if none of those three really take a noticeable step forward? It should not be surprising to see the Chiefs add yet another name to the wide receiver mix.
Cedric Tillman could be squeezed out of Browns' crowded WR room
One player worth monitoring is Cedric Tillman of the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland did not have much of a foundation at wide receiver last season. Jerry Jeudy is still the top option. But with two highly touted rookies in KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, the Browns are banking on more talent being infused there for 2026. Isaiah Bond also appears to be locked into a spot on the depth chart.
Ryan O'Leary of Dawg Pound Daily wrote that "the writing has been on the wall for Tillman" in Cleveland. Tillman's training camp has not necessarily stood out for Browns followers. Of all the names in the Browns' offensive skill group, this wide receiver is one of the clearest trade or release options as the roster cutdown deadline nears.
The Browns have greater depth at wide receiver than the Chiefs currently do. After drafting both KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston this spring, the room is looking strong enough to keep Tillman out—with Jerry Jeudy, Isaiah Bond, Tylan Wallace, and Malachi Corley likely rounding things out on the active roster. The Chiefs might see Jalen Royals emerge in his second season or Cyrus Allen in his first, but Tillman still offers more past production and experience.
Why Cedric Tillman could be a useful target for the Chiefs
Some of his best moments in Cleveland have come as a downfield threat. Tillman has averaged 11.7 yards per reception in his career. Forty of his 71 catches with the Browns resulted in a first down.
You can also look at his frame as a strength. Tillman's mix of size and length allows him to be a true red-zone threat, where he can be afforded one-on-one opportunities. Tillman's ability to win vertically could fit very well with someone like Patrick Mahomes, whose pass catchers have struggled to create separation in recent years.
But beyond the vertical routes, Tillman presents a safe target for passers looking to throw over the middle of the field. His size can help shield defenders and keep them boxed out from the football. If placed in a better offense, does Tillman generate some added yards after the catch?
If the Chiefs were to trade any asset for Tillman, it would not cost them a premium one. His cap hit is roughly $3.9 million, according to Spotrac, as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. If Tillman becomes available, he would be worth exploring for a late-round pick swap or as a waiver claim if Cleveland releases him.
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