The Cleveland Browns made a quick roster move Tuesday after wide receiver David Bell surprised fans and teammates by announcing his retirement from football. Hours later, the team filled the open spot by signing former Tennessee Titans cornerback Tre Avery to the active roster.
Bell, 24, revealed his decision on social media, explaining that medical specialists warned him against returning to play because of a serious off-field injury. He wrote that continuing to compete could “risk life and limb.” The wide receiver had been on the non-football injury list since the start of training camp and did not appear in a game this season.
Bell was a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Purdue, where he recorded two 1,000-yard seasons. In his three years with Cleveland, he caught 41 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns. Though his numbers were modest, his reliability and focus earned him respect throughout the locker room.
Tre Avery’s Second Chance in Cleveland
The Browns acted quickly to strengthen their secondary. Avery, who spent time with the Titans, Patriots, Buccaneers, and 49ers, joins Cleveland as a depth option and special teams contributor. The 26-year-old cornerback played 29 games over two seasons in Tennessee, posting 62 total tackles, 12 pass breakups, and one fumble recovery.
Avery’s path to Cleveland has been anything but easy. After going undrafted out of Rutgers in 2022, he carved out a spot with the Titans under then-head coach Mike Vrabel. His work ethic and speed helped him stay on the radar for teams in need of secondary help. Now, he gets another chance to prove himself in the Browns’ defense.
The move fills the opening left by Bell and shows how quickly Cleveland’s front office adapts to unexpected changes. As the season continues, Avery’s experience and versatility could give the Browns valuable depth at cornerback while Bell focuses on recovery and life beyond football.
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