The Cleveland Browns enter the offseason with two of the starting cornerback vacancies, with Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell on the outside as the top two players at the position. Cleveland has a vacancy in the slot after trading Greg Newsome II to the Jacksonville Jaguars in October, leaving Myles Harden as the projected starter. Harden filled in the slot for the remainder of last year, starting five games and logging the third-most snaps at the position on the team, but allowed five touchdowns and a whopping 120 passer rating.
With the two outside positions locked in, a former draft pick has become the odd man out.
The Cleveland Browns’ former 3rd-round pick remains unsigned
Cleveland Browns, Martin Emerson Jr.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. watches the team warmup before an NFL preseason football game at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Martin Emerson Jr. remains a free agent because he is recovering from a significant injury sustained in the summer and is waiting for medical clearance. The former third-round pick with four career interceptions suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in late July, eight months ago. Since Achilles injuries typically take nine to twelve months to recover, Emerson could be cleared next month, but will likely wait until training camp to sign.
Also Read: Cleveland Browns Have Devastating News for 33-Game Starter
The Browns are mum about bringing back the four-interception starter
Cleveland Browns, Martin Emerson Jr.
Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (1) during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
During the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting, Andrew Berry was asked about Martin Emerson Jr. potentially returning to Cleveland, as reported by Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The general manager said he would love to bring the former starter back, but his Achilles injury and Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell locking down the outside make it seem unlikely. Berry also noted that Emerson would prefer an opportunity to compete for a starting spot and would likely be a backup if he re-signs with the Browns.
“Selfishly would love to have him back. I think we’re also realistic that with MJ and the injury that he’s coming off of, to reach his personal goals, he’s also got to be in a position where he has maybe a strong opportunity to compete for a starting spot,” Berry said, via Oyefusi.
“That’s probably a little bit harder with how we’re configured with Denzel and Tyson. But certainly if that changes … we’d love to have him back.”
When asked about a return to Cleveland for CB Martin Emerson Jr., Browns GM Andrew Berry said: “Selfishly would love to have him back. I think we’re also realistic that with MJ and the injury that he’s coming off of, to reach his personal goals, he’s also got to be in a position…
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) March 29, 2026