Blaine Woodson

Browns Release Jeff Janis

The Browns did not deem former Packers wide receiver Jeff Janis as worthy of their 53-man roster. They released the fifth-year veteran on Friday, along with a host of other moves.

Janis was in the mix for one of Cleveland’s backup jobs but couldn’t impress enough to beat out some younger competitors. Known best for his heroics in a Packers-Cardinals divisional-round game, Janis will avoid outright waivers due to his vested-veteran status. The other players the Browns are parting with Friday will head to waivers.

Here’s the full list:

The Browns also waived three players with injury designations.

49ers Sign DTs Cedric Thornton, Will Sutton

The 49ers have signed defensive tackles Cedric Thornton and Will Sutton, as well as offensive lineman J.P. Flynn, the club announced today. In corresponding moves, San Francisco has cutĀ defensive back Don Jones, offensive lineman Jamar McGloster, and defensive lineman Blaine Woodson.

Of the players involved in today’s transactions, Thornton boasts the longest NFL track record. A former three-year starter for the Eagles, Thornton signed a four-year deal with the Cowboys prior to the 2016 campaign but lasted only a single season. He latched on with the Bills just before the 2017 season got underway and ultimately appeared in 15 games, playing on roughly a third of Buffalo’s defensive snaps.

Sutton, meanwhile, is a former third-round pick of the Bears who flamed out after three seasons. Although he inked a deal with the Vikings last summer, Sutton didn’t make Minnesota’s initial 53-man roster and spent the rest of the year on the workout circuit. While he never did land a deal last year, Sutton is still only 26 years old.

The 49ers aren’t hurting for depth along their interior defense, as starters DeForest Buckner and Earl Mitchell are backed up by Chris Jones, Sheldon Day, and others, while end Arik Armstead can also play inside. Still, Thornton and/or Sutton could have an outside chance to make San Francisco’s roster if they perform well during training camp.

Minor NFL Transactions: 5/15/18

Today’s minor moves:

Atlanta Falcons

Cleveland Browns

  • Claimed: OL Anthony Fabiano (Colts), OL Avery Gennesy (Jaguars)
  • Waived: P Michael Carrizosa, OL Christian Schneider

Detroit Lions

Los Angeles Rams

  • Claimed: RB Larry RoseĀ (Titans)

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

  • Signed: DL Blaine Woodson
  • Claimed: CB C.J. Goodwin (Giants)
  • Waived: WR DeAndre Carter