BEREA — All the potential and promise is still right in front of Cedric Tillman. Within his reach.
The Browns believe in the lanky wide receiver, who after two frustrating, disappointing seasons is ready to meet expectations — and more.
“It’s time to step up,” he said following practice Thursday.
Desperate to find a No. 2 receiver to complement Jerry Jeudy, the Browns are hoping the time is now for Tillman, who was playing by far the best ball of his young career in 2024 — 26 catches for 330 yards in five games — when he suffered a concussion against Pittsburgh on Nov. 21.
He missed the last six games and Tillman’s reputation took a blow as outsiders began to wonder if the 2023 third-round pick from Tennessee would be thrown on the heap of other Browns draft busts.
But while the team headed into the offseason knowing depth was a glaring need and major issue at receiver, the Browns didn’t pursue any big names in free agency. Tillman took that as a positive sign, a vote of confidence.
“Of course, that feels good,” the soft-spoken 25-year-old said, offering a slight smile. “But I understand this is a business. Things can change from today to tomorrow, so I’m always going to be motivated. But obviously it did feel good, but I’ve got to go out there and show people what I can do.”
There have been flashes. Just not enough.
Tillman had a nondescript rookie season. He barely got on the field in the first four games, was inactive for the next three and finished with 21 catches for 224 yards and zero touchdowns.
Last season began slowly as well before Tillman turned into one of Jameis Winston’s top targets after the backup quarterback took over when Deshaun Watson went down with an Achilles tendon injury. Winston to Tillman became one of the few sweet spots for the Browns in an otherwise sour season.
He followed an eight-catch game for 81 yards against Cincinnati with seven catches for 99 yards and two TDs in a win over Baltimore. This was the Tillman the Browns had been waiting for, but unfortunately his strong stretch ended three games later when he got drilled after a 4-yard catch in the snow against the Steelers.
It’s clear that Tillman doesn’t like reflecting much on what might have been the past two years. There’s no changing his past. And while his confidence grew during his five-game span, he was left mostly unfulfilled.
“It was more frustrating because I was ready to take off,” said Tillman, who recently missed a few days with a right thumb injury. “Last year is last year. New year this year.”
New quarterback, too. Well, a familiar one as 40-year-old Joe Flacco begins his second stint as Cleveland’s starting QB. Tillman feels comfortable with Flacco and hopes they can continue what they began in 2023.
“He was here two years ago, so we got a little chemistry back then,” Tillman said. “But obviously having OTAs and having camp now I feel like (it) has only developed more. … He gives a big confidence. Obviously he’s won a Super Bowl, a 20-year vet now, so he’s played the game for a long time.
“He’s seen every look you can throw at him. So he’s cool. He’s composed. So it gives us confidence.”
Tillman isn’t lacking in that department, either.
At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, he looks the part. His size gives him a distinct advantage over shorter defensive backs, and that discrepancy is something the Browns are hoping to exploit. Tillman’s shown growth in running routes, he’s got soft, sure hands when the ball comes his way and he’s shown a willingness to block.
“It don’t feel bad smacking people and stuff like that,” he said with a chuckle.
Tillman sidestepped making any predictions about what he can accomplish this season. He’s been through enough in his first two seasons in Cleveland to know that things can change quickly, without warning.
He acknowledged there were some wide-eyed moments to overcome as a rookie, but Tillman feels the path traveled has toughened him.
“I’ll be lying if I say I don’t get a little nervous here and there,” he said. “But obviously it being the third year now, I’m comfortable with the offense, the coaches, the speed. I’m ready to go.
“I have goals. I ain’t going to say them publicly. I’ll keep it to myself. I’m focused on winning and if that’s 1,000 yards, 500 yards, regardless. That’s what my focus is on — winning.”
There’s no reason to make excuses. There’s nothing to hold him back. Tillman feels it’s time for him to break out.
“I’ve just got to be healthy,” he said. “If I’m healthy, I know what I can do.”
