Browns Sign TE Manasseh Garner, DB Joe Rankin; Waive 2 Players

The Cleveland Browns made a couple of roster moves Sunday morning, announcing that they have signed TE Manasseh Garner and DB Joe Rankin. To make room for the moves, the club waived TE Kevin Haplea and ILB Darius Eubanks.

Garner (6-2, 239 lbs) played college football at Pittsburgh. He was an undrafted free agent following this year's draft and signed on with the Kansas City Chiefs in May, but he only lasted with them for a few weeks before being waived. He didn't have flashy receiving stats in college, but has position versatility as a former wide receiver and tight end. I think the Browns will try to see if he can help at fullback until Malcolm Johnson is ready to return.

Rankin (5-9, 188 lbs) played college football at Morgan State. He was an undrafted free agent who had a tryout at rookie minicamp with the Browns back in May, but did not get signed. I didn't think the team needed additional help at the cornerback position in camp, as none of the injuries at the position (Pierre Desir's hamstring, Justin Gilbert's wrist, and Joe Haden's muscle tightness) seemed serious.

Haplea had a knee injury, so it wouldn't surprise me if he was waived with an injury settlement. Eubanks was on IR all of last season, but the team is going rather thin at the inside linebacker position this camp. While some positions are stacked, there are now only five inside linebackers (Karlos Dansby, Craig Robertson, Chris Kirksey, Tank Carder, and Hayes Pullard).