Running back Jerome Ford has left the Cleveland Browns during free agency after he signed a one-year contract with the Washington Commanders.

Ford was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 5^th round of the 2022 NFL draft, as the 156th overall pick. In the four seasons he was with them, he played 57 games, scoring seven rushing touchdowns for 1,463 rushing yards.

The Browns had signed him to a four-year rookie contract worth $3.98 million in 2022. In 2025, he agreed to a pay cut by half, reducing his salary to $1.75 million.

He played a prominent role in the 2023 season after incumbent running back Nick Chubb was ruled out for the season. He recorded 1,100 yards from scrimmage with nine touchdowns, proving himself to be a mainstay of the Cleveland offense.

However, in the 2025 season, rookie drafts of Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson were quick to get into the main team, leading to Ford taking a backseat. A hamstring injury also hampered his season as he fell into a reserve role.

Cleveland now looks to build their offense around Judkins and Sampson to fill the gap of Ford’s departure.

Devin Bush and Cameron Thomas also left the Browns during free agency

The free agency has been a cleanout process for the Browns’ roster. Preceding Ford’s exit were the departures of linebacker Devin Bush and defensive end Cameron Thomas.

Devin Bush signed with the Chicago Bears on a three-year, $30 million deal with $21 million guaranteed. He was originally drafted in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and then signed two separate one-year deals with the Browns for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

In the 2025 season, he recorded a career-best 125 tackles, two sacks, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.

Cameron Thomas has signed a one-year contract of $3.1 million with the Atlanta Falcons. Thomas was initially drafted in the 2022 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals and signed with the Browns.

With the Browns in 2025, he recorded 28 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hits.

With key free agents departing the Browns, it remains to be seen how the front office will shape the roster in the upcoming draft and navigate these transitions.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Kalp Thaker