Browns keep incredible football story alive with move on UDFA

The Cleveland Browns are preparing to enter a new era under head coach Todd Monken. Cornerback Michael Coats will now be a part of it.

Coats joined the Browns as an undrafted free agent over the offseason. Now, he has officially made the 53-man roster, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The cornerback didn’t play high school football, first picking up the sport at East Central Community College. He would ultimately transfer to Nevada before ending his college career at West Virginia. And now, despite being a late football bloomer, and an UDFA, Coats has defied the odds by earning a roster spot.

Over his three years at the college level, Coats put up 84 tackles, 24 passes defended and five interceptions. He set new career-highs in 2024, recording 41 tackles, 13 pass break ups and four picks. Coats was awarded First-team All-Mountain West for his efforts.

Now on the Browns, Coats will be joining a cornerback room led by Denzel Ward. As a whole, Cleveland finished the 2025 season ranked fourth in total defense, allowing 283.6 yards per game. Their pass defense ranked third, allowing 167.2 YPG.

After trading away Myles Garrett, things are sure to look mighty different for the Browns in 2026. Still, Monken and company will do everything in their power to get everything they can out of their current unit.

In his current state, Coats won’t suddenly turn Cleveland into world beaters. But it’s clear he is a player the Browns believe in. If he continues developing as is, his story from starting to play in college to the NFL will only get wilder.

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