Oliver had limited time to prove himself, signing with Cleveland on September 2 and spending less than a week with the team before another move was made. Oliver entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Youngstown State in 2024 and appeared in 13 games with Tennessee. His departure opens the door for Means to audition for a role as Cleveland prepares for its season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Bub Means Gets a Fresh Start With the Browns
Means arrives with the size and draft pedigree to warrant closer inspection. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound receiver was selected in the fifth round by the New Orleans Saints in 2024. He has appeared in seven NFL games, recording nine receptions for 118 yards and one touchdown. He will wear number 81 for Cleveland.
His most productive college season came at Pittsburgh in 2023, when he caught 41 passes for 721 yards and six touchdowns. Means led the Panthers in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns that year, averaging 17.6 yards per catch and earning honorable mention All-ACC recognition. That production provides a glimpse of the downfield ability Cleveland can evaluate during practice. Means still has much to prove at the professional level, with his NFL resume limited to a handful of appearances.
The immediate task is to earn enough trust to become a viable option if Cleveland needs additional help at receiver.
Browns Set Receiver Pecking Order for Jaguars
Means joins a receiving group that already includes several established players and promising young talent. The current depth chart features a mix of veterans and rookies, with Deshaun Watson preparing to start at quarterback. The team has signaled confidence in the receiving corps, noting steady development heading into the season. The addition of Means provides another path for evaluation behind the top trio and could offer additional versatility in the rotation.
Signing Means gives Cleveland another receiver to develop behind the main group. It does not guarantee a spot in the opener, and Oliver’s brief tenure demonstrates how quickly opportunities can shift in the lead-up to a game.
This transformation in the Browns’ receiver depth comes as the organization looks to optimize options around Watson, who is tasked with producing early results with more weapons at his disposal. The coaching staff has emphasized the work ethic and continued improvement of the receiving corps since players arrived, signaling a proactive approach to building depth.
In summary, Means has been added to provide fresh competition and development potential at wide receiver, while Oliver’s departure accelerates the search for other contributors. The Browns appear focused on optimizing their receiving corps as they prepare for the Week 1 showdown with Jacksonville.
