Ex-Browns Bust Gets Another Shot With Cowboys

Former Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Perrion Winfrey is getting another shot in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.

Winfrey was a fourth-round pick of the Browns in 2022. He showed some upside in Cleveland but had some off-field troubles, and the Browns decided to part ways.

Winfrey joined the New York Jets practice squad in 2023, spending most of his time on the practice squad, appearing in just one game. With limited opportunities in the NFL, Winfrey signed with the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions. He was able to get on the field and showcase his skills, tallying 29 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack last season. Winfrey earned All-UFL honors.

The Cowboys were in need of defensive tackle depth. Winfrey may be able to work himself into the rotation with a strong training camp and put his troubles with the Browns behind him.

Browns Drafted DT Mason Graham With Top Pick

The Browns have made significant investments to bolster their defensive tackle group. They selected Mike Hall Jr. in the second round of the 2024 draft and followed up by picking Mason Graham with the No. 5 overall selection this year.

Graham’s debut headline in Cleveland wasn’t ideal. He drew some attention for vomiting during a rookie camp practice, which sparked a bit of ridicule. Part of the chatter stemmed from the Browns’ draft decision. The team traded out of the No. 2 spot — where many expected them to take two-way star Travis Hunter — moved back three spots, landed Graham, and secured an additional first-round pick for next year in the process.

Despite the rocky start, the Browns are enthusiastic about Graham’s development and what he brings to the defensive line.

“I love Mason,” defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire said Thursday, via Browns Zone. “The thing I love about Mason, I think everybody heard he ate a little bit too much and he threw up that first day. But what a lot of people are not talking about is that the kid finished. He went back out there, puke and all, and finished the rep.

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“But here’s a kid that every day he got better. Every day he came out here, he’s running to the ball as fast as he could. You see his rush game developing, you see him launching with hands. It’s going to be hard obviously coming from a read scheme, going to an attack scheme. But he’s done a really good job and he’s great in the room, extremely smart individual, hardworking. So I can’t wait to see him come out and play.”

Myles Garrett Still the Centerpiece of Browns Defense

The Browns have arguably the most impactful defender in the league to anchor their defensive line in Myles Garrett. The potent pass-rusher demanded a trade during the offseason but ended up returning, signing a four-year, $160 million extension.

Coming off an offseason of drama and a massive extension, Garrett is aiming for his best season yet — a high bar given his track record.

“I look forward to having my best season for sure, and I think it’s trending that way. Been really good, and I think everything’s pointed in that direction,” Garrett said during minicamp. “And I like where we are as a defensive unit. It’s really firing, really rolling, and I think it’s really clicking as far as the scheme and the plays, especially early on. That’s big.”

The Browns will gather for training camp on July 22.