The Cleveland Browns have finally placed nine of their 10 draft picks under a contract. However, the lone player yet to be signed is KC Concepcion, a star wide receiver (WR) from the Texas A&M Aggies.

A few of the Browns’ draftees who signed their rookie deals are OT Spencer Fano, WR Denzel Boston, QB Taylen Green, and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Their 22nd overall pick is yet to sign a rookie contract with the team.

According to Heavy's J.R. DeGroote, KC Concepcion is expected to be a key player in the Browns' wide receiver room. Therefore, he participated in the rookie minicamp even though he remains unsigned.

While Concepcion may continue to participate in voluntary offseason work, he needs to be under contract before the training camp starts to avoid a holdout situation.

These rookie holdouts may lead to more contract issues for the team. Therefore, it is necessary for the Browns to act fast to sign their recent first-rounder.

The NFL’s rookie wage scale determines the total value of the contract. Negotiating other terms, such as signing bonus structure, payment timing, guaranteed terms, etc., becomes the focus of these holdouts. 

Cory Kinnan of the Browns Wire reported that it’s tough to point out what is hindering KC Concepcion’s contract. There is a possibility that the 21-year-old wants some special incentives added to his contract. 

DeGroote further added that the drafting of KC Concepcion, alongside second-round pick WR Denzel Boston, marked the first time in the franchise’s history that the Browns used their top 40 picks on drafting wide receivers.

KC’s playmaking ability and speed will bolster the Browns' receiving room. In his lone season with Texas A&M in 2025, KC totaled 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Browns are counting on the first-round pick to bring such success to the Browns. They also drew his comparisons with Zay Flowers, the WR of the Baltimore Ravens.

Coach Monken Finds Similarities Between KC Concepcion and Zay Flowers

KC’s abilities in route-running and creating separation got him noticed by head coach Todd Monken, who had a similar player before. Monken agreed that Zay Flowers and Concepcion had a familiar playing style. 

“There are some traits that are similar to (Flowers). But I love when people spoke about KC, it reminded me of Zay in that, in terms of how he practiced, what he brings in every day," Monken said. "And if you’re looking for that comparison, that I can compare, I believe he’s going to bring that like Zay did.”

According to Ernesto Cova of Dawg Pound Daily, Flowers had atleast 858 receiving yards and four touchdowns each season and became a two-time Pro Bowler under Monken's tenure.

Given the traits both share, Browns expect the same from Concepcion. If he delivers, the Browns would be back as the top contenders in the league.

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Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Rishab Nandi