There are NFL players whose names echo in stadiums, plastered across jerseys, and debated endlessly on sports talk shows. Then, there are the quiet ones—the backbone of a team, unnoticed until they’re gone. Special teamers fall into that second category, their work precise, thankless, and only remembered when something goes wrong. But within those ranks, some carve out a space of reliability that lasts years, even a decade. They become fixtures—steady hands in a sport built on chaos.

And in Cleveland, one such player had been that steady presence for longer than most quarterbacks, head coaches, or even owners stick around. But sometimes, even consistency isn’t enough to withstand the inevitable winds of change. It’s the perfect scenario for the Browns. They have nowhere to go but up after a 3-14 record in 2024.

Uncertainty clouds Deshaun Watson’s availability, and their DE Myles Garrett wants out. So, the HC Kevin Stefanski is trimming down the squad to make space for new talent in the 2025 season. Even if it means bidding goodbye to a veteran player. The franchise shocked the fans with an update about their LS Charley Hughlett. They are releasing him ahead of the free agency.

GM Andrew Berry called it a bittersweet separation and said, “We hate separating from a valued and long-tenured player for our team. However, it also gives us the opportunity to express sincere gratitude and appreciation for all Charley has done for the Browns on and off the field. Charley’s career is a story of perseverance, work ethic and self-belief.” Hughlett, for his part, posted a photo with his teammates, declaring pride and love for the team. He also stated a desire to fight back through adversity.

The LS spent the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Cowboys but never got to play any game for them. In 2014, he arrived at the Browns and spent the next 10 seasons with them. In 152 games with the team, he recorded 1267 special team snaps and 26 tackles (14 solo). A special player, he has played the 15th most games for the Browns. But he suffered a setback last year.

The 34-year-old, 6 ft 4 inches, 248 lbs Charley Hughlett got hit by a teammate during the week 5 game against the Commanders. He injured his ribs and was placed on the IR. He hadn’t thought then that it was his last game for the Browns. This year, he has to come to grips with that fact and perhaps even contemplate his future in the NFL. Until any other team shows up to sign him.

Cleveland and Stefanski want to build a team that can fight. To being the rebuild, they first need to free up some space. And anyone who hasn’t performed in the last few years has a target on their back.

Kevin Stefanski parting ways with Juan Thornhill

The Chiefs‘ 63rd overall pick (2nd round) of the 2019 Draft, Juan Thornhill, had a pretty decent outing with them. He won a Super Bowl in his first year in the league, followed by another ring in 2022. But things changed in 2023. The Browns went all in for a trade and signed him to a 3-year $21 million deal, with $14 million fully guaranteed.

However, his form has since left him, forcing Kevin Stefanski to take the decision to part ways. In 22 games (all starting) for the Browns, the safety had 4 defended passes, 103 tackles (72 solo), and 3 QB hits. But the cap space. That’s important too.

Thornhill has $3.18 million against the cap this year and $9.26 million in 2026. In most probability, they could cut him when the new league year starts on March 12. With a release post June 1, they will save $3.4 million. It’s the start of the changes.

Berry has said that he will ensure they have the financial space to bring in talented players. He has also hinted at a QB change. Will that also happen? Their maneuvers will be worth watching closely.