Pro Football Rumors
Charley Hughlett‘s run with the Browns has come to an end. The veteran long snapper has been released, per a team announcement.
“This is a bittersweet transaction for our organization because we hate separating from a valued and long-tenured player for our team,” a statement from general manager Andrew Berry reads in part. “However, it also gives us the opportunity to express sincere gratitude and appreciation for all Charley has done for the Browns on and off the field… He’s a special individual who we will welcome home as a Cleveland Brown after his career is complete.”
Hughlett’s entire 10-year career has been spent in Cleveland, and he ranks 15th in franchise history for games played. The former UDFA had not missed a game before the 2024 campaign, but a ribs injury limited him to only five contests this past year. Rex Sunahara took over long snapping duties the rest of the way, and today’s news points to him continuing in that role moving forward.
Two years remained on Hughlett’s contract, but no guaranteed salary was in place. The Browns will generate $1.08MM in cap savings with this release while incurring $346K in dead money charges. This is the second cost-cutting measure of the day for Cleveland; safety Juan Thornhill will be let go via a post-June 1 release.
Hughlett, 34, will now look to find a new opportunity. Teams do not make lucrative investments when signing in-house options or outside free agents at the long snapper position, and with the draft not far away potential suitors could elect to wait to see if a younger player is available during the spring. Failing that, Hughlett could manage to continue his career in 2025.
The Browns have also signed cornerback Anthony Kendall. The 25-year-old made 16 appearances with the Titans in 2023 but he did not see any game action this past campaign, most recently spending time on the Ravens’ practice squad. Kendall will look to compete for a roster spot this summer.
