CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Cleveland Browns signed West Virginia University cornerback Michael Coats as a free agent Saturday.

West Virginia cornerback Michael Coats Jr. (3) during an NCAA collage football game on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)(Colin E. Braley | AP)
According to the Browns’ communications team, the team made room for Coats on its roster by waiving tight end Sal Cannella from Auburn University.
During Coats’ senior season at West Virginia, he started all 12 games and recorded 30 tackles, seven passes defensed and one fumble recovery.
Coats is a native of Louisville, Miss., and attended Biloxi High School.
During the 2026 season, Coats will wear the No. 39 jersey.
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