The Browns have added another body to a defensive line group that’s already feeling the squeeze.
Cleveland signed former Chicago Bears draft pick and UFL standout Travis Bell on Monday after Kalia Davis went down last Wednesday with an undisclosed injury and stayed out through the weekend. Davis, one of the Browns’ free-agent pickups in March, is still on the active roster, but the timing of the move says plenty about where the depth chart stands right now.
The concern starts inside. Maliek Collins is already on the active/PUP list with a quad injury, and now Davis’ status has pushed the Browns to look for help again. That leaves Cleveland with Collins, Mason Graham, and a collection of players who haven’t logged much NFL experience.
Bell brings some recent production with him. According to James Larsen of Pro Football Network, he made his mark with the UFL champion Louisville Kings by registering 11 QB pressures and 25 stops across two seasons. He also had 40 tackles, a sack, and those 25 defensive stops in the championship run this past season.
News: The Cleveland #Browns have signed Louisville #Kings DT Travis Bell.
Bell racked up 40 tackles, 25!! defensive stops, a sack, and 11 pressures, winning a #UFL Championship this past season.
One of the most well deserved signings. pic.twitter.com/nrZuSmqr3i
- James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) August 3, 2026
Still, Bell looks more like a camp addition than a real threat to make the roster this late in the summer. The Browns waived running back T.J. Harden to make room, and Bell is likely being brought in as a practice body and a player the staff can evaluate for the practice squad.
The edge group isn’t exactly sitting pretty either. Cleveland’s latest move came right after Jadeveon Clowney signed with the Houston Texans.
Clowney had visited with the Browns last week, and general manager Andrew Berry had talked about finding common ground on a deal. With Clowney gone, the depth behind Jared Verse, Alex Wright, and Isaiah McGuire looks thin too.
Monday’s practice in pads gives some younger names a chance to make noise. Mike Hall Jr. and Adin Huntington are among the returning players with upside, while veterans Sam Kamara and Elijah Chatman are still fighting for spots after arriving on waivers this offseason. If Davis ends up missing more time, undrafted rookie Khordae Sydnor could also get a real look.
There’s talent in that mix, especially with Hall, who shook off an early spring injury scare and has reportedly looked good in camp. But with injuries stacking up in a group that was already under the microscope, the Browns have a real depth problem on their hands.
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