Jordan Norwood Cut by Browns, Helps Josh Cooper's Roster Odds

The Cleveland Browns have terminated the contract of WR Jordan Norwood, according to multiple reports. Norwood was a restricted free agent this past offseason, but the team tendered him to keep him with the team for another year. He won't get the opportunity to stay on board, perhaps due to his growing reputation of being a player who is often injured. He was graceful on Twitter regarding his release:

What an awesome 3 yrs in CLE!? I thank God for the people I've had the pleasure of coming in contact with. Continued blessings to you all

— Jordan Norwood (@jordaNorwood) August 26, 2013

Norwood missed a couple of preseason games with a hamstring injury, and was placed on injured reserve in 2012 after playing in just two games. The 5-11, 179 pound receiver is a very shifty guy with good hands; it was his quickness that made him stand out compared to the Browns' other receivers last year.

When the Browns acquired WR Davone Bess in a trade this offseason and signed veteran WR David Nelson, Norwood's chances at making the final roster appeared slim. Due to the two-game suspension that WR Josh Gordon faces to begin the season, though, the belief was that Cleveland would carry an extra receiver for those two games. The competition seemed to be between Norwood and WR Josh Cooper. Cooper, a teammate with QB Brandon Weeden at Oklahoma State, was the slot receiver on the first-team offense against the Colts last week and had two first-down receptions.

This may also be good news for Nelson. He has missed most of camp with injuries, but appears ready to return to action against the Bears this week. The coaching staff must be confident that he'll be healthy enough to contribute in the regular season. There's also a chance that someone like WR Naaman Roosevelt sticks around, even though he hasn't had many reps since being signed part-way through training camp.

For a list of all of the Browns' cuts as they get down to 75 players, click here.