Browns Claim Tight End Brenden Bates Off Waivers, Marking His Return to Cleveland

The Cleveland Browns announced Monday they have claimed tight end Brenden Bates off waivers. Bates, who was recently released by the Texans, is now in his second NFL season out of Kentucky. He originally entered the league in 2024 as an undrafted free agent with the Bears. Bates has previously appeared in 10 NFL games across stints with the Jets, Browns, and Texans. Notably, he played three games with Cleveland in 2024 and also spent time on the club’s practice squad in 2025, making this a return to the team. In a corresponding roster move, the Browns waived cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse.