Browns sign receiver Breshad Perriman, make flurry of roster moves

The Cleveland Browns addressed their receiver problem by signing former first-round pick Breshad Perriman. Rookie receiver Derrick Willies was placed on injured reserve after fracturing his collarbone during Friday’s practice.

Cleveland also signed linebacker Xavier Woodson-Luster to its practice squad and released defensive back Jeremiah McKinnon. Fullback Danny Vitale was also waived from injured reserve on Saturday.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Saturday morning the team was signing Perriman, hours before the team made it official. The Browns were looking for receiver help before Rashard Higgins’ Week 5 injury, so they worked out receivers Rishard Matthews, Josh Huff, and Francis Owusu on Monday.

Those workouts also came before Willies’ unfortunate injury, leaving the Browns with just four active receivers for their Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. There was a feeling a signing was needed, although Perriman’s name hadn’t been associated with the team.

Perriman seems like a band-aid, but he does have some talent despite never reaching the potential Baltimore saw in him when selecting him No. 26 overall in the 2015 NFL draft.

Interestingly, NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared Perriman to Josh Gordon.

Rare combination of size, top-end speed and suddenness that can be found in some of the best receivers in the game. Arrow is pointed way up on Perriman and he is one of the most discussed prospects in draft rooms around the league. His drops will drive teams crazy, but his physical traits and ability to hit the big play should warrant early consideration.

While the Browns won't likely see any impact from their receiver this week, he is an intriguing signing. Given his skill-set, it’s possible he’ll benefit from Baker Mayfield’s quick decision-making should he see any significant opportunities.

Xavier Woodson-Luster went undrafted in 2017 and played 14 games for the Oakland Raiders last season. He spent time with the Buffalo Bills this preseason before being released during final roster cuts along with current Browns linebacker Tanner Vallejo.

McKinnon was signed to the team’s active roster last week, activated for Week 5, then released and re-signed to the practice squad when running back Dontrell Hilliard was promoted to the 53-man roster this week.