Cedric Tillman is an American football wide receiver whose NFL career has taken an unexpected turn after the Cleveland Browns reportedly decided to move on from the former third-round draft pick.
Tillman entered the NFL with significant expectations after an impressive college career at the University of Tennessee. The 6-foot-3 receiver was selected by Cleveland with the 74th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
However, injuries and inconsistent production limited his impact over his first three NFL seasons. On August 27, 2026, the Browns reportedly released Tillman as they reshaped their wide receiver group ahead of the 2026 regular season.
So, who is Cedric Tillman, what happened to his NFL career, and what could come next for him?
Who Is Cedric Tillman?
Cedric Jashon Tillman is a professional American football wide receiver.
He was born on April 19, 2000, and grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tillman attended Bishop Gorman High School, one of the country’s best high school football programs, before committing to the University of Tennessee.
At Tennessee, he developed into a physically imposing receiver known for his size, hands and ability to make contested catches.
The Cleveland Browns selected him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Cedric Tillman Age
Cedric Tillman was born on April 19, 2000, making him 26 years old in August 2026.
Despite being only 26, Tillman already has three NFL seasons behind him and is now entering a new stage of his career following his reported release by Cleveland.
Cedric Tillman’s Height and Weight
Tillman is listed at:
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches
- Weight: 215 pounds
- Position: Wide receiver
- College: Tennessee
- NFL draft: 2023, Round 3, Pick 74
His combination of size and physical strength was one of the main reasons the Browns viewed him as an intriguing prospect.
Cedric Tillman’s Early Life
Tillman comes from a football family.
His father, Cedric Tillman Sr., also played professional football. He played wide receiver at Alcorn State and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the 11th round of the 1992 NFL Draft.
He later played for the Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tillman’s older brother, Jamir, also played college football at Navy.
That background helped expose Cedric to football from an early age.
Cedric Tillman at Bishop Gorman
Tillman attended Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.
The school has produced numerous high-level football players, and Tillman became one of its standout receivers.
As a senior in 2017, he recorded:
- 37 receptions
- 774 receiving yards
- 7 touchdowns
He also helped Bishop Gorman win state championships and the 2016 USA Today national championship.
Cedric Tillman’s College Career at Tennessee
Tillman joined the Tennessee Volunteers in 2018.
His early years were relatively quiet as he developed behind other receivers.
His breakthrough came in 2021.
That season, Tillman established himself as one of Tennessee’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
He finished the 2021 campaign with:
- 64 receptions
- 1,081 receiving yards
- 12 touchdowns
He also produced several huge games against major SEC opponents.
Cedric Tillman’s Breakout Against Alabama
One of Tillman’s most memorable college performances came against Alabama in 2021.
He caught seven passes for 152 yards and a touchdown against the Crimson Tide.
The performance demonstrated his ability to compete against elite defensive backs despite Alabama’s high-level defense. (Wikipedia)
Tillman Makes History Against Georgia
Tillman also had an outstanding performance against Georgia during the 2021 season.
He recorded:
10 catches for 200 yards and one touchdown.
That made him the first Tennessee player to reach 200 receiving yards in a game since Cordarrelle Patterson in 2012.
The performance further strengthened his reputation as a potential NFL prospect.
Cedric Tillman’s Final Season at Tennessee
Tillman could have entered the NFL Draft after his breakout 2021 season.
Instead, he returned to Tennessee for the 2022 season.
Unfortunately, an ankle injury affected his campaign.
He played only six games but still managed:
- 37 receptions
- 417 receiving yards
- 3 touchdowns
He eventually declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Cedric Tillman NFL Draft
The Cleveland Browns selected Tillman with the 74th overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The selection reflected the Browns’ belief that his combination of size, physicality and ball skills could translate successfully to the NFL.
Tennessee described him as a big, physical receiver with strong hands and a history of making impactful plays.
Cedric Tillman’s NFL Career
Tillman’s NFL career began with the Browns in 2023.
He appeared in 14 games during his rookie season and recorded:
- 21 receptions
- 224 receiving yards
- 10.7 yards per reception
He did not record a touchdown during his rookie campaign.
The Browns hoped he would develop into a larger part of their passing attack.
Cedric Tillman’s 2024 Breakout
The most encouraging stretch of Tillman’s NFL career came in 2024.
Against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, he produced one of the best games of his young career.
Tillman finished the game with 99 receiving yards and two touchdowns as Cleveland defeated Baltimore 29-24.
It was the kind of performance that showed why Cleveland had invested a third-round pick in him.
However, injuries would again become a problem.
Cedric Tillman’s Injury Problems
Injuries have been a significant part of Tillman’s NFL story.
He suffered a concussion during the 2024 season and eventually landed on injured reserve.
He finished that season with:
- 29 receptions
- 339 yards
- 3 touchdowns
He then suffered a hamstring injury during the 2025 season that caused him to miss several weeks.
The repeated interruptions made it difficult for Tillman to establish consistent momentum.
Cedric Tillman’s 2025 Season
Tillman returned to the Browns during the 2025 season but again struggled to maintain a consistent role.
He finished the year with:
- 21 receptions
- 270 yards
- 2 touchdowns
His three-year NFL totals eventually reached 71 receptions, 833 yards and five touchdowns.
Why Did the Browns Release Cedric Tillman?
The Browns’ decision appears to have been influenced by increased competition at wide receiver.
During the 2026 offseason, Cleveland invested heavily in the position, including selecting KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Browns’ own training-camp coverage highlighted the depth and competition within the receiver room, with Tillman among several players competing for roles.
The team also had established players such as Jerry Jeudy and Tylan Wallace, along with younger receivers competing for opportunities.
That made Tillman’s position increasingly vulnerable.
Cedric Tillman Released by the Browns
On August 27, 2026, reports emerged that Cleveland was releasing Tillman.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was cited as the source of the report, with multiple outlets subsequently confirming the move.
The timing was particularly notable because Cleveland was scheduled to play its final preseason game against the New England Patriots that night.
The Browns had originally listed Tillman among their returning receivers during training camp, but the competition for roster places ultimately worked against him.
What Are Cedric Tillman’s NFL Career Stats?
Through three NFL seasons, Tillman recorded:
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Games | 38 |
| Receptions | 71 |
| Receiving yards | 833 |
| Yards per reception | 11.7 |
| Touchdowns | 5 |
| Long reception | 42 yards |
Those numbers do not fully reflect the potential Tillman showed at Tennessee, but they also leave him with plenty of opportunity to establish himself elsewhere.
Cedric Tillman’s College Stats
Tillman had a much stronger statistical profile at Tennessee.
Across his college career, he recorded:
- 109 receptions
- 1,622 receiving yards
- 17 touchdowns
He also recorded six 100-yard receiving games.
His 17 receiving touchdowns rank among the better totals in Tennessee program history.
What Kind of Receiver Is Cedric Tillman?
Tillman is best known for his size and physical playing style.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he provides a large target for quarterbacks.
His strengths include:
Contested Catches
His size allows him to compete for passes against defensive backs.
Strong Hands
Tennessee specifically highlighted his ability to make difficult catches.
Red-Zone Potential
His physical profile makes him an intriguing option near the goal line.
Downfield Ability
Tillman showed at Tennessee that he could make explosive plays downfield.
Physicality
He can use his frame to shield defenders from the football.
What Went Wrong for Cedric Tillman in Cleveland?
It would be too simplistic to say Tillman simply failed.
His career was affected by several factors.
Injuries limited his availability.
Competition for receiving targets increased.
And the Browns went through changes in their offensive structure.
Cleveland’s 2026 offseason also brought a new coaching and offensive setup, with Todd Monken taking over as head coach and Travis Switzer becoming offensive coordinator. The Browns were therefore evaluating receivers within a new system.
Can Cedric Tillman Revive His NFL Career?
Absolutely.
At 26, Tillman still has time to establish himself elsewhere.
His college production demonstrates that he can be highly productive when healthy and given an opportunity.
He also has three years of NFL experience, which could make him attractive to another team looking for receiver depth.
His next opportunity could be particularly important.
What Team Could Sign Cedric Tillman?
It is too early to say where Tillman will land.
However, teams looking for a big-bodied receiver with NFL experience could potentially have interest.
The most important factors will likely include:
- His health
- Contract demands
- Offensive scheme
- Available roster spots
- His special-teams value
- Whether another team believes he can return to his Tennessee-level production
His release could therefore represent the beginning of another opportunity rather than the end of his NFL career.
Cedric Tillman Family
Football runs strongly through the Tillman family.
His father played in the NFL, while his brother Jamir played college football at Navy.
Cedric Tillman’s family background gave him a direct connection to professional football long before he entered the NFL himself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedric Tillman
How old is Cedric Tillman?
Cedric Tillman was born April 19, 2000, making him 26 years old in August 2026.
What position does Cedric Tillman play?
He plays wide receiver.
How tall is Cedric Tillman?
He is listed at 6 feet 3 inches.
Where did Cedric Tillman go to college?
He played college football at the University of Tennessee.
When was Cedric Tillman drafted?
The Cleveland Browns selected him 74th overall in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Is Cedric Tillman still with the Browns?
No. Reports on August 27, 2026, said the Browns were releasing Tillman.
What are Cedric Tillman’s NFL stats?
Through three seasons, he recorded 71 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns.
Who is Cedric Tillman’s father?
His father, Cedric Tillman Sr., was a former NFL wide receiver who played for the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Final Thoughts
Cedric Tillman’s NFL journey has reached a major turning point.
The former Tennessee star entered the league with considerable potential after producing 1,622 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in college. (utsports.com)
But his first three seasons with Cleveland were marked by inconsistent production and injuries.
Now, after recording 71 receptions, 833 yards and five touchdowns in 38 NFL games, the Browns have reportedly decided to move on.
At just 26, however, Tillman’s story is far from finished.
His size, college production and NFL experience could give him another chance to prove that the player who dominated SEC defenses in 2021 is still inside him.
For Cedric Tillman, the Browns chapter may be ending—but his NFL career does not necessarily have to end with it.
