Cleveland Browns Add Wide Receiver Jaelen Gill, Release Kicker Andre Szmyt
The Cleveland Browns have made a roster adjustment heading into the next phase of their offseason, officially signing wide receiver Jaelen Gill while releasing kicker Andre Szmyt. The move marks a step forward for Gill as he continues to chase his NFL aspirations, and a change of direction for the Browns in their special teams unit.
Jaelen Gill, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 185 pounds, is entering what is technically his rookie season in the National Football League. After completing his collegiate career at Fresno State, Gill was initially signed by the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2024. Although he didn’t make the Chargers’ final roster, his talent and potential caught the attention of other teams — leading to a stint with the Browns’ practice squad, where he spent five weeks last season.
Now, Gill is getting a new opportunity to compete for a spot on the Browns’ active roster, as the team continues to evaluate talent ahead of training camp. Known for his speed and route-running, Gill brings depth to the wide receiver room, which is expected to be one of the more competitive position groups this preseason. He will look to carve out a role either on offense or special teams, depending on how he performs in practices and preseason games.
Gill’s path to the NFL has been one of persistence and adaptability. After beginning his college football career at Ohio State, he later transferred to Boston College, and eventually landed at Fresno State, where he made the most of his final year of eligibility. His collegiate journey showcased his ability to adjust to different systems and contribute in various offensive schemes. That versatility could serve him well as he works to find his place in the Browns’ offensive plans.
On the other side of the transaction, the Browns have waived kicker Andre Szmyt, ending his time with the team. Szmyt joined Cleveland earlier this year, hoping to compete for the team’s kicking job. A standout during his college career at Syracuse, Szmyt earned the Lou Groza Award in 2018 as the nation’s top kicker. Despite his collegiate success, Szmyt went undrafted in 2023, and has since been working to earn a spot in the NFL.
His departure indicates that the Browns may be narrowing their focus on fewer candidates for the kicker position as they head into more intense phases of roster evaluation. It’s also possible the team could be planning to bring in other kickers to assess during the coming weeks.
These kinds of roster moves are common in the offseason, as teams fine-tune their 90-man rosters and prepare for training camp and preseason play. For players like Gill, each opportunity represents a chance to prove themselves and take the next step toward making an NFL game-day roster.
While not a major headline move, the signing of Jaelen Gill underscores the Browns’ ongoing commitment to developing young talent and building depth across their roster. If he can impress during offseason workouts and training camp, Gill could emerge as a surprise contributor or at least secure a place on the team’s practice squad for the 2025 season.
As the offseason continues, the Browns are expected to make additional moves, both to bolster positions of need and to maintain a competitive environment throughout the roster. With preseason rapidly approaching, every signing and release contributes to shaping the final 53-man roster that will take the field when the regular season kicks off.
For Jaelen Gill, the journey continues — and for Andre Szmyt, the search for an NFL opportunity starts anew.
