Former FSU Offensive Lineman Released By Cleveland Browns During Massive Round Of Cuts

The former Seminole and NFL veteran is looking to land with another team prior to the season.

Teams around the NFL wrapped up their slate of preseason games over the weekend and the focus now turns to what will be a mass exodus across the league. Franchises will be forced to cut down to 53 players after being allowed to have up to 90 players under contract throughout training camp.

READ MORE: NoleGameday's Staff Predicts Florida State's 2023 Season

There were a couple of teams that got head starts on making cuts. On Sunday afternoon, the Cleveland Browns released a plethora of players, including NFL veteran and former Florida State offensive lineman Derrick Kelly II. The Browns brought Kelly in after training camp to compete for a spot following his stint with the XFL's San Antonio Brahmas.

Browns placed WR Jakeem Grant Sr. on injured reserve and waived CB Caleb Biggers, LB Cam Bright, TE Miller Forristall, TE Thomas Greaney, CB Gavin Heslop, T Derrick Kelly II, S Nate Meadors, WR Anthony Schwartz (injury designation), WR Jalen Wayne. Browns also released G Colby…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 27, 2023

Kelly went undrafted in 2019 and signed with the New Orleans Saints. He spent his first season with the team on the practice squad before making the active roster coming out of training camp the following year. Kelly made his NFL debut on September 13, 2020, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and appeared in six total games throughout the year.

The Florida native opened up the 2021 season on the Saints' practice squad but ended up being released in October. He was picked up by the New York Giants a short time later, appearing in one game before his contract expired at the conclusion of the season. Kelly signed with the New York Jets during the offseason but was cut during training camp, leading him to a second stint with New Orleans.

The Saints signed Kelly one day after he was cut by the Jets before releasing him a few weeks later. New Orleans inked him to its practice squad in November for the remainder of the 2022 season. 

After not being retained by the Saints, Kelly chose to play in the XFL over the offseason to showcase himself ahead of the NFL season. He suited up alongside fellow former Seminole and running back Jacques Patrick, who has since joined the Tennessee Titans, with the San Antonio Brahmas.

Kelly spent five years at Florida State from 2014-18, playing under former head coaches Jimbo Fisher and Willie Taggart. He appeared in 36 games, with 28 starts, while playing multiple positions across the offensive line. Kelly started contests at left tackle and both guard spots during his time with the Seminoles, making a playoff appearance with the team in 2014 and winning an Orange Bowl in 2016.

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